Journalists in Katsina State, under the umbrella State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have expressed deep sympathy to the General Manager of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Ayinde Suaga who has been tested positive for Coronavirus.
In a statement today, May 5, signed by Chairman of the State Council, Tukur Dan-Ali, the Union expressed sympathy also to Suaga’s family, the NTA Chapel of NUJ as well as the entire Journalists in the State over what it called “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, indicates the fact that Journalists are exposed to danger in this hard period of rampaging spread of Covid 19 pandemic every where in Nigeria, particularly in most affected States, including Katsina.
“The NUJ strongly believes that Alh. Ayinde Suaga contracted the corona virus as a result of his day to day service as Journalist and leader of NTA Katsina.
“We equally observe that there is 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.”
The Union 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 coronavirus pandemic. The Union wishes Ayinde Suaga quick and happy recovery, and hopes that staff of NTA Katsina, family, friends and all others who came in contact with him will give necessary support to the health workers if and when the need arises.
