“Government and Society Urged to Empower Journalists Financially Amid Economic Hardship” – Elder Solomon Ayoade
A retired Director at the Oyo State Ministry of Information and a respected figure in journalism, Elder Solomon Ayoade has said it is imperative that both the government and society step forward to provide vital financial empowerment to journalists in light of the current economic hardship and challenging conditions in the country.
Elder Ayoade made this call while speaking on behalf of the National Trustee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayo Akamo, during the inaugural retreat and prayer event organized by the Nigeria Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) at the Government House Chapel in Agodi, Ibadan.
The Veteran implored for support and assistance for journalists emphasizing that, these measures will enable them to to fulfill their constitutional duty of providing fair, objective, and informative news to the Nigerian public.
According to him, “these dedicated professionals play a crucial role in informing and engaging the public and in order to ensure the continuity of this vital role, it is essential that they receive the necessary financial support in these trying times”
Elder Ayoade expressed deep concern over the economic challenges faced by members of the fourth estate of the realm attributing these difficulties to the recent removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The respected Journalist who is a former State Chairman of Oyo NUJ, stressed the importance of government, christian bodies, organizations, and society at large in providing essential welfare support for members of the press adding that this support is crucial for journalists to carry out their roles objectively.
A major point of concern raised by Elder Ayoade was the significant impact of fuel subsidy removal on journalists such as the rising cost of living, the burden of educating their children and the challenges of maintaining their vehicles. Furthermore, many journalists are not receiving their due salaries, and some are unfairly dismissed when they reach senior positions.
Elder Ayoade, who retired as a level 17 officer at the Oyo State Ministry of Information, emphasized the disparity between his retirement benefits and the predicament faced by many journalists who struggle with unpaid wages. He called for a fairer treatment of journalists by society.
Conclusively, Elder Ayoade commended the Nigeria Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) in Oyo State for their dedication to the profession and urged churches to empower Christian journalists, emphasizing that publicity is not cheap.
