Media most hit by Coronavirus in Nigeria — NUJ President

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo, has said that the media is the most hit sector by the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

Isiguzo said this while addressing members of the Oyo State council of the union in Ibadan during his visit on Saturday.

He was accompanied to Ibadan by some members of the union among whom were NUJ Zone D Chief, Wilson Bako; Amos Dunia, Ladi Emmanuel, among others.

Recall that Coronavirus was first recorded in Nigeria in 2020.

Isiguzo added that the effect of Coronavirus made some media houses lay off some of their staff.

“When the Coronavirus came, the media was the most hit in the country.

“Most of the newspapers had to lay off their workers because they did not get adverts and other patronages.

“I can tell you that of a newspaper does not have staff again, I will not tell you the name, but they have made their staff into freelancers.

“But, as a remedy, we have set up a committee in conjunction with MPAN and NUJ to rescue media houses from sacking workers. The committee is headed by the publisher of Business day newspaper.

“We believe that if such thing happens, it is not the professionals that should be affected.”

Isiguzo, while speaking on the forthcoming 7th triennial delegates conference of the union, noted that the union would make the conference free and fair.

“Efforts have been made to ensure a hitch-free conference in Abia state next month,” he said.

The chairman of the state council of NUJ, Comrade Ademola Babalola, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Oyo State Council of NUJ.