Veteran Journalists Establish Media Charity Foundation For Members’ Welfare

Some veteran Nigerian journalists have established a charity organisation, Media Charity Foundation (MCF), an initiative to support practising and retired journalists in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy call at LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, members of the organisation’s board of trustees urged journalists in the country to support and ensure the charity organisation’s success.

According to the MCF chairman, Mr Henry Omonigu Atenaga, the organisation would create a safety net for journalists after their retirement from formal practice. The foundation would provide legal, healthcare, and financial assistance to journalists in need.

Atenaga also emphasised the necessity of the foundation, explaining that many retired journalists face significant challenges after leaving active service. He said, “We set up the foundation because we find ourselves in trouble when many of us finish formal practice. Let us have a fallback organisation. This initiative will provide legal, healthcare, and financial support, ensuring a fallback organisation for journalists.”

Also, Ikechi Ibeji, a member of the BOT, MCF, who accompanied Atenagaon on the visit, explained that every journalist would be encouraged to contribute ₦10,000 annually to support the cause.

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He said, “There’s an online website where journalists can log in and register. Part of the fund will be used to build an investment portfolio managed by fund managers to ensure sustained support.”
Responding, the managing editor of LEADERSHIP, Raliat Ahmed Yusuf, expressed support for LEADERSHIP for the charity organisation.

Similarly, the Head of Story, LEADERSHIP, Bayo Amodu, lauded the initiative, noting that journalists often lack adequate care after leaving the field. “This is a great initiative. Journalists haven’t been catered for adequately, and this will help bridge that gap,” he said.