By Fadhlillah Abdallah el-Kurebe
The Niger state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council has expressed worry over how journalists face harsh economic conditions without societal empathy in the state.
The Chairman, Abu Nmodu stated this when the council received members of the Forum of Retired Directors who paid condolence visit over the death of Africa Independent Television (AIT) correspondent, Mohammed Danladi Ibrahim at the IBB Pen House in Minna on Wednesday.
According to Nmodu, “although journalists play great roles in solving the problem of the public in the process of social development, they are faced with various harsh condition without empathy from those in position to help.”
He emphasised that “as members of the fourth estate of the realm, the pen professionals are exposed to dangers and do not receive reciprocal gesture or desired attention and support from relevant authorities.”
Nmodu advocated for improvement on condition of service for retired and serving journalists to guarantee safety and ameliorate suffering of the affected individuals, while recalling that within two years, no fewer than 10 retired and serving journalists have died in the state without empathy or sympathy
“They use journalists when they need them but if they are sick or die, they will never show empathy or sympathy, that is their narrow estimation of Journalists , Journalists are far more important than the their narrow estimation,” he said
Earlier, the chairman of the Forum, Shaka Adaba said the aim of the visit was to commiserate with journalists and media family in Niger state over the sudden death of Ibrahim.
Adaba described the deceased as a dexterous and passionate journalist whose commitment to responsible journalism would be missed.
He prayed God to forgive the deceased of his transgressions and grant the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
It will be recalled that Ibrahim passed away after a ghastly motor accident on Thursday, 21st April, 2022 in Minna.
