From Steve Oko, Umuahia
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council, Comrade John Emejor, has called on media owners to pay “living wage” to journalists working in their establishments.
Emejor who stated this Wednesday in Umuahia during the Prayer & Thanksgiving church service marking the beginning of the year’s activities by the Correspondents Chapel of Abia NUJ, decried the pitiable condition of journalists due to poor emolument.
The NUJ boss regretted that many journalists in the state especially Correspondents work without receiving any salaries, while those who receive rarely get paid as and when due.
Emejor who said journalists hardly meet up with their family responsibiliies due to poor emoluments, called for legislation for enhanced salary for journalists in the country.
Delivering a sermon at the event, the Rev. Dr. Sam Umesiobi of the Assemblies of God, 5-8 Item Street Umuahia tasked journalists on the truth.
He urged journalists to shun bribery and sensationalism, and uphold truth and objectivity in their reportage of events.
“Don’t accept bribe because when you do so it amounts to shifting the ancient landmark, and it has a penalty “, he cautioned.
The former Correspondent of Imo Broadcasting Corporation also challenged journalists to be courageous and committed in the discharge of their duties if they wanted to distinguish themselves in the profession.
He also encouraged journalists to embrace God if they want to achieve success in life, asserting that “no one can make any progress in life without God “.
Dr. Umesiobi further urged journalists to always upgrade their knowledge in order to fit in properly in a digital world.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Obinna Ibe said the Inter-Denominational Service was put together to appreciate God for preserving members despite the challenges they faced in the course of their duties.
He also said that the church service was a formal way Correspondents in the state were commencing their activities for the year with God.
In a goodwill message, Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, commended Journalists in the state for being committed in the discharge of their duties.
Okiyi Kalu who assured full protection for all journalists in the state called on them to always balance their reports to reflect objectivity and fairness.
He also assured of the State government’s resolve not to infringe on the fundamental rights of Journalists in the state while soliciting the support of journalists in projecting the programmes and activities of government.
