By Itohan Abara-Laserian
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has empowered ailing veteran journalists and families of deceased journalists financially, while harping on insurance investments and other income streams.
The President of the foundation, Mr Femi Oyewale, at the media outreach on Thursday in Lagos, said that the journalists were selected from different states and media organisations across the country.
Oyewale, who was represented by the Vice President of the association, Mr Idumonza Isidahomhen, said that the foundation was conceived out of passion and in realisation of challenges faced by media professionals.
He decried the little reward members of the fourth estate received after working hard for long leading to failing health of some of them.
The president said that the outreach was the third in its series of empowerment.
“We are moved by passion, we have this idea that journalism job has no reward. While you are practising, nobody rewards.
“‘We decided to reach corporate organisations to support us so that we can also extend support to media practitioners who have various challenges.
“It is about compassion for our colleagues who have challenges.
“If you look at the trajectory of this foundation, of reaching out to journalists who have challenges. We started by giving money and some products to beneficiaries.
“However, this third edition is significantly different. We introduced lectures to educate journalists on what to do while still serving, how to go about their life health-wise, insurance, and how to earn additional income,” he said.
According to him, a combination of being healthy conscious and having multiple income streams is to mitigate challenges and risks that almost cripple journalists when they are no longer on the beat.
Oyewale encouraged the beneficiaries to have faith, adding that the foundation would continue to reach out to them financially and otherwise.
The Managing Director of NSIA Insurance, Mr Moruf Apampa, commended the foundation and pledged to render support where necessary.
Apampa, who was represented by the Head of Research and Product Development of the organisation, Mr Murtala Hammed, said that what the foundation stood for resonated with the company.
“We try to ensure that regardless of what happens to our customers, we want to be the one to make sure that they smile.
“There will be good and bad days, but no matter what happens, NSIE Insurance will be there for you,” he said.
A lawyer, Mr Damilola Towobola, commended the efforts of the foundation, while urging journalists to operate within the laws and be guided by the ethics of their profession.
Towobola urged journalists to be factual in their reporting and verify news and sources before publishing.
Towobola also pledged to support three beneficiaries with health insurance.
Another speaker at the event, Mr Gbenga Shaba, said that it was necessary for journalists to have multiple streams of income.
About 20 journalists, some widows and some widowers, some ailing and some vulnerable, benefitted from the outreach.