Table of Contents
- Financial Support for Families
- Incident Involving Journalists
- State Government's Response
- NUJ's Appreciation
- Need for Safety Measures
- NTA Support
The Gombe State Government has allocated a total of N14 million as financial assistance to the families of seven journalists who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in the state.
According to DAILY POST, the journalists passed away on Monday while returning from a colleague's wedding ceremony in the Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The funds were presented on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abubakar Njodi, on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya. Each affected family received N2 million.
During the presentation in Gombe, Prof Njodi described this gesture as a modest effort to assist the bereaved families with burial arrangements and immediate needs, noting that the incident had profoundly impacted the state government.
He emphasized that the tragedy was particularly heart-wrenching due to the loss of multiple journalists in a single accident, highlighting that the deceased had played vital roles in informing the public and supporting governance in the state.
“This incident has deeply affected us,” Njodi stated. “These were professionals we collaborated with regularly. They covered our activities, attended briefings, and significantly contributed to public communication in Gombe.
“We recognize that no amount of money can replace the lives lost. However, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has instructed that this token be provided to the families to help with burial arrangements and immediate challenges.”
Earlier, Alhassan Yahya, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed gratitude to the Gombe State Government for its prompt support following the tragic incident.
He recalled similar fatal incidents involving journalists in Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Adamawa states, lamenting the ongoing risks media practitioners face while performing their professional duties.
Yahya stressed the need for enhanced welfare, safety measures, and comprehensive insurance coverage for journalists across the nation, announcing that the NUJ plans to introduce a new insurance scheme by March to improve the health and security of practicing journalists.
Additionally, Abubakar Adamu, the General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Gombe, described the incident as heartbreaking and praised the state government for supporting the families during this very painful time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial assistance has the Gombe State Government provided?
The Gombe State Government has allocated a total of N14 million, providing N2 million to each of the families affected by the tragic loss of seven journalists in a road accident.
What was the response from the Nigeria Union of Journalists?
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya, expressed appreciation for the swift support from the Gombe State Government and highlighted the ongoing risks faced by journalists.
What measures are being considered for journalist safety?
Yahya emphasized the need for improved welfare, safety measures, and comprehensive insurance coverage for journalists, with plans to introduce a new insurance scheme by March.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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