A veteran journalist and media consultant, Mr. Sola Adebayo, has instituted a N10m welfare fund for members of the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Delta State.
The welfare package, which is designed to cater for journalists struggling with health and financial challenges, is first of its kind in the history of journalism practice in Nigeria.
Adebayo, popularly known as Asiwaju, announced the initiative at a party organised in his honour and his family by the Warri Chapel on Tuesday October 1, at Peb Global Hotel in Jeddo, Okpe, Delta State.
Accompanied by his wife, Dora and his son, Tope, and friends, Adebayo noted that he has no regret being a journalist as the profession has been good to him.
Speaking at the event, the renowned journalist made an initial N1 million donation to the fund and pledged to make it N10 million by the end of November with support from his friends.
According to him, the gesture would enable the Chapel promptly address members health and other challenges facing journalists in the state.
Asiwaju Adebayo, who expressed appreciation to members of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel for the honour, also donated N500,000 to the State Council of NUJ and another sum to a member.
Adebayo stated that he “will continue to identify with the NUJ,” which he described as his “roots” and encouraged colleagues not to rely solely on journalism, but have alternative means of generating income.
“So far so good, there is no regret being a journalist. If I still come over and over again, I will still like to become a journalist. I want our people to try as much as possible to always have option B in this job. If people are calling you today, it’s because you are still relevant,” the veteran said.
He added: “We are going to do a welfare package for Warri press. Anytime we have issues, we are going to have a dedicated fund that we go to, between now and end of November, I will use my friends to generate N̈10 million.
“Let us work together. If you know any of your colleagues that have potential, tap that potential instead of gossiping about him”.
On her part, Mrs Dora Adebayo enjoined members to imbibe the spirit of oneness adding thus: “If you have good heart towards your neighbours, and believe in God, you will succeed in life”.
In their separate remarks, the state chairman of NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and National Ex-Officio of NUJ, Comrade Micheal Ikeogwu commended Adebayo for his generosity and support for journalists in the state.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Victor Okpomor expressed gratitude over the good works of the veteran in the lives of NUJ members both within and outside the state.
The ceremony had in attendance a former IPMAN, Chief Edafevwotu Samson Akpos; Media consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo; Delta NUJ Vice Chairman, Comrade Felix Ekwu; Delta NUJ Secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu; Delta State chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Sonia Unobunjo; Publisher of BigPen Nigeria, Mr. Joe Ogbodu; Chief Omafume Amorun; Chief Akpokona Omafuaire Esq.; Mrs. Elo-Oghene Edremoda; Managing Editor of Niger Delta Today Online, Mr. Theophilus Onojeghen and members of the Chapel.
