The federal government through the office of the special assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South West, and Leadway Assurance Company Limited have partnered NASRE Media Foundation to support ailing journalists across the country.
To this end, NASRE Media Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), extended support to media practitioners facing health or financial challenges, as well as the families of bereaved journalists, in Lagos and Ogun States recently.
The Foundation provided cash and grains to benefiting journalists or their families in the first phase.of the scheme which promises to be a continuous exercise.
A former deputy Business editor at The Sun Newspaper, who is currently battling partial stroke, Mr. Omodele Adigun, received cash and grains for health support while Mrs. Esther Peter Thomas, wife of the late Peter Thomas, a renowned entertainment editor and publicist for the former Mo’Hits Records, also received cash and grains support.
Similarly, Mrs. Adewole, the widow of the late Qudus Adewole, publisher of Ebony Media who passed away in 2021, received educational support and grains on behalf of their daughter, Yesmee, who was born shortly after Adewole’s death. In the same vein, Mr. Bolu received equivalent support on behalf of Peter, the only surviving son of the late Foluso Samuel, who worked with Encomium Magazine but passed away in 2015. Foluso Samuel’s wife and two of their three children also died after the death of their breadwinner, leaving Peter, a JSS student, in Mr. Bolu’s care.
In a unanimous voice, the recipients prayed for the continued success of NASRE Media Foundation, Leadway Assurance, and the Presidency.
With discernible emotions and tears in their eyes, Mr. Adigun, Esther Peter Thomas, Mrs. Adewole, and Mr. Bolu described NASRE as a dynamic group of experienced media professionals whose efforts are highly commendable while praying for continued success of the foundation and the partnering stakeholders for the kind gesture.
In an earlier remark, the president of NASRE and NASRE Media Foundation, Comrade Femi Oyewale, assured the recipients of continued support within available resources, noting that, NASRE Media Foundation was initiated to support media practitioners facing challenges.
Stressing the need for support, Oyewale called on corporate organisations, public and private institutions, and individuals to support NASRE Media Foundation in whatever way possible.
“Media work is hazardous. We take the highest form of risks. We are on the road even in the middle of the night, ensuring that governments and institutions’ actions are anchored in truth for the overall benefit of citizens and taxpayers. The risks we embrace daily take a toll on our health, and when most of us are either deceased or down with ailments, nobody cares for us. These are part of the reasons we set up this Foundation to provide hope for colleagues in the face of hopelessness,” he pointed out.
Oyewale emphasised that the support, extended to the four beneficiaries, is just a small step given the large number of media practitioners on NASRE Media Foundation’s list who have truly pathetic cases and need support. “We are not going to rest on our oars. We have a long list of journalists and families of late journalists who need help. Some of the cases are really pathetic. We are committed to this noble cause. This is just the first phase,” Oyewale assured.
“I thank NASRE members for their commitment and dedication. I thank Leadway Assurance Plc and the office of the Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements in South West for their support. We couldn’t have done this without you,” he noted.
Oyewale, who was represented at the event by the vice president of NASRE, Idumonza Isidahomhen, called on corporate organisations, public and private institutions, and individuals to team up with NASRE Media Foundation in supporting journalists facing challenges to minimise the suffering associated with the job.
