The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has tasked authorities of the FCT Administration to apply more robust and collaborative measures in the fight against Covid-19.
The call was contained in an Easter message to Abuja journalists signed by Chairman of the Council, Emmanuel Ogbeche; and the Secretary, Ochiaka Ugwu, on Saturday.
The message also charged journalists to be at their exemplary best in emulation of the virtues of Jesus Christ.
According to the NUJ leadership in Abuja: “To our Christian colleagues and to all of us journalists in the FCT, this season calls on us to be exemplary in conduct as Jesus Christ was.
“Owing to the times we live – the age of the coronavirus pandemic – there is no better time for us as journalists to live by what we do; inform, educate and entertain.
“As we go about our duties as communication practitioners, it is instructive that we follow the Covid-19 health protocol by washing our hands regularly, use hand sanitizers when it is necessary, use masks and observe the etiquette of social distancing.
“As a Council, we are not unaware of the tough conditions in which most of us work. It is in this regard that we set up the Covid-19 Sensitization and Monitoring Committee to assist us aggregate the concerns and needs of members in order to mitigate the challenges.
“It is heartwarming that the committee is working assiduously and has reported of receiving encouragement from individuals, organisations and government which we are confident will materialize into something concrete in the coming days.
“While we appreciate the efforts of government especially the Federal Capital Territory Administration in stemming the spread of the pandemic, we urge it to be more robust and collaborative in its response as this is the surest way of gaining the confidence of the people and eventually defeating the coronavirus pandemic.
“We appeal to our colleagues to continue to give us their support as we strive towards a more responsive and responsible NUJ FCT Council.”
