Chief Fidel Onyeneke, a Media Relations Consultant and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, has stressed the need for enhanced welfare package for media practitioners in the country in view of the numerous hazards associated with their duties as the mirror of the society.
Chief Onyeneke, who stated this while reacting to the demise of the Managing Editor of Christian Voice Newspaper, Sir Martin Ebe, called for an enhanced salary scheme and other allowances for media practitioners to motivate and compensate them for their cardinal role in transforming the society through education, enlightenment and entertainment.
He noted that most media practitioners are victims of lack and deprivation occasioned by poor remuneration and lack of conducive work environment.
The Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area born Media Relations Consultant called on media organizations, to ensure comprehensive insurance policy for their staff as a way of enhancing job security.
He also urged the state and federal governments to attach more importance to the prompt payment of pensions and gratituties of retired media practitioners adding that, the gesture would not only motivate those who are still in service, but would also assure them that their efforts and sacrifices towards building a better society would out be in vain.
Onyeneke described Sir Martin Ebe as a renowned veteran Journalist who contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the country.
He also called the enviable achievements of Sir Martin Ebe when he served as the Managing Director of Imo Newspapers Ltd, publishers of Nigerian Statesman owned by the Imo state government, and therefore urged Imo Journalists to bear his demise with great fortitude.
