25 December 2020 News Corner 1562 Views

Christmas: Imo NUJ Chairman Akaraonye Felicitates with Christians, Urge Them to Celebrate With Moderation, Caution Over COVID-19

ThankGod Emeh.

The Imo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Chris Akaraonye has felicitated with Christians all over the world especially Imolites and journalists in the state on Christmas.

Akaraonye who conveyed his goodwill message in a press release signed by him, thanked God for infinite mercies throughout the year even in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown as well as #EndSARS protests which have dealt economic and health blows on the citizenry.

“My dear colleagues, as the year is finally winding up with the usual Christmas and New year festivities, I want to thank God who has been our shield and defender since the beginning of the year”

“The year 2020 has been very challenging. The Corona Virus that crippled a lot of activities. The #EndSARS Protests and now a second wave of Covid-19 is already taking its toll on the society”

“As we all celebrate the Christmas and New Year, may we celebrate with moderation and caution. It is good we obey and inform the society on the need to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols to stem the tide of the second wave”

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The Chairman decried that Government, organisations and even private individuals have not assisted journalists much in carrying out their responsibilities as media professionals, stressing that it has not really been easy for journalists to do what they are trained to do.

“I understand the constraints in our profession added to the fact that a lot of journalists practicing in Imo are not being paid as and when due. Many are not even paid at all. Our colleagues work without necessary tools and equipment”

“Even with the ravaging and rampaging Covid-19, yet journalists are not provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), thereby exposing them to the risk of infection”

“However, despite all these towering challenges, God has been faithful and has kept His watchful eyes over us all”

Comrade Akaraonye in the release expressed appreciation to journalists in the state, Imolites and the general public for their collective efforts and support in the NUJ Legacy Awards as well as other programmes of the union, noting that more activities are underway for the progress of the council and state.

“We wish to most sincerely express our gratitude to Imo citizens for their support to the NUJ and journalists in Imo and urge them to continue in their support”

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“The NUJ Legacy Awards has come and gone with its sweet memories. I thank you all for your support to make it a huge success. Imo successfully hosted the SouthEast Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) Meeting of NUJ. Hopefully, we shall engage in more activities next year”

He called on aggrieved members of Imo NUJ to put aside all mixed feelings and work together for the betterment of the union, while praying God for a safe celebration and prosperous new year.

“I know that there have been bickering among some over one thing or the other. It is normal with human beings. I urge us all to eschew bitterness and rancour with peace and open mind. We are all colleagues and united by one profession”

“I pray God to continue to guide and guard each of us and to make year 2021 a better one for us all”

“I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance”