He said this year's celebration is low keyed due to the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic, he specially appreciates Nigerian journalists for their doggedness, professionalism, diligence and dedication to their professional calling despite the peculiar occupational hazards they face in the line of duty.
He stressed that the Union therefore calls on media workers as they go about their duties covering the Coronavirus issues, to be careful and take all precautionary measures as prescribed by WHO and the NCDC.
He said that the Union is also using this occasion to once again call on governments at all levels to come to the aid of Media workers who work round the clock in other to to provide vital information to the general public in the country.
As Media workers who are on the frontlines towards containing the COVID-19 pandemic, hence the need for comprehensive insurance, palliatives, safety kits and very importantly hazard allowance.
The Union also called for the unconditional release of Kufre Carter, sports presenter with XL 106.9 FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Carter who was reportedly detained by the DSS over a leaked telephone conversation he had with a medical doctor on the method deployed by the Akwa Ibom state government in handling the spread of Coronavirus in the state had been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Uyo presided over by Magistrate Winifred M. Umohandy Esq on a three-count charge bothering on defamation of character.
NUJ also uses the opportunity of this celebration to request debtor media companies to do the needful by clearing several months arrears of salaries owed their workers.
Once again, NUJ urges its members not to be dissuaded by these challenges but continue to keep hope alive.