The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kastina State Council has expressed deep concern over the report that its member, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, was tested positive to Coronavirus.
In a statement released by Union and signed by the Chairman, Tukur Dan-Ali, stated that the union sympathise with his family, as well as the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Chapel, and entire journalists in the state.
The statement, read as thus; “The NUJ hereby sympathise with Mr Ayinde, his Family, the NTA Chapel of NUJ as well as the entire Journalists in the State over this unfortunate incident.
“We hereby remind our members in Katsina State to be cautious and continue to take all precautionary measures during coverage of events and while delivering their services everywhere as Journalists.
“This, of course indicated the fact that Journalists are exposed to danger in this hard period of rampage spread of COVID-19 pandemic every where in Nigeria particularly in most affected States including Katsina.
“The NUJ strongly believed that Alh. Ayinde Soaga contracted the corona virus as a result of his day to day service as Journalist and leader of NTA Katsina.
“We equally observed that there was no time in the recent history of Katsina State that the Media House in Katsina and their workers needed support from government and non governmental organizations than now.
“Katsina State government and other stake holders should as a matter of urgency provide Media Organisations and all the practicing Journalists with Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) and other needed support to continue with the hard work of Journalism Practice during this pandemic period.
“We thanked Katsina State government as well as its special task force on COVID-19 for working round the clock to control the spread of the pandemic.
“The NUJ also called on people of the state to support government’s policies and programmes especially on the current corona virus pandemic”
Dan-Ali, also added that as they wish Alhaji Soaga a quick recovery, they hope all needed assistance are given as at when due to the health workers.
“While wishing Alh. Ayinde Soaga quick and happy recovery, we also hope that staff of NTA Katsina, family, friends and all other constants of him will give necessary support to the health workers if and when the need arises,” he said.
