Kingsley Abavo, Benin
Like orphans, Journalists in Edo State were left in the cold as the effect of the global scourge of Covid – 19 bites harder on every one.
Thouh many very poor, they were not considered as vulnerable Nigerians by the Edo State Government.
Therefore, not qualified for the first round of distribution of palliative food items.
Also, various donors across the State never looked their way, except Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi.
This is in – spite of the fact that they are always in the frontline of the fight against the scourge.
But while the seeming abandonment persisted, the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II Uku Akpolokpolo Ogidigan in his usual philanthropy, on Thursday, 31 May, 2020 made journalists in the State feel respected and regarded once again.
He made them smile as he came with the gift of load of food items and hand sanitizers to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council Secretariat.
The gesture was to help ease the crunching effect of the rampaging virus on them.
Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie, the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom led Palace Chiefs and functionaries to hand over the palliative items.
Handing over the items: bags of 10kg rice, beans and cartons of noodles (Indomie) including hand sanitizers, Chief Ekhator said the Monarch in touch with the plight of the people, decided to begin sharing of the palliative with journalists because of the peculiarity of their job and recognition he attached to it.
After the journalists, he would be taking the palliative to his people in the 18 local government area of the State.
“… deeply, he felt as a father, and exponent of our culture and tradition that what has happened is unfortunate. He therefore has provided sufficiently what would go to those that are really handicapped, the vulnerable, and needy in our midst.
“In the fight against Covid – 19, the men and women of the media cannot be undermined. I want to call on you all to rise up to the challenge.”
The Monarch urged journalists not to be deterred by challenges posed by the virus but be bold in the discharge of their duties.
Responding, NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo represented by the Zone F. Vice President, Eddy Ogude expressed gratitude to the Monarch for remembering journalists at this time of increasing challenges of Covid – 19 pandemic.
He noted that the Monarch’s donation of palliative to Edo journalists was only a demonstration of the fact that he is a father of all, and his usual character of setting the pace.
Isiguzo called on other traditional rulers and good spirited persons in the South – South zone, Nigeria to emulate the good gesture of Oba Ewuare II and do same for journalists.
Also expressing gratitude to the Monarch, Chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council, comrade Roland Osakwe assured of members continued unflinching support and cooperation.
Since the scourge of Covid – 19 began in the nation, Oba Ewuare II is the only one after Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi to have remembered the plight of journalists as vulnerable persons in the frontline of the fight against the dreaded virus.
