Skip to main content

Covid19: OMPAN calls on IGP to protect Journalists

Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), has through Ismaila Y K
Its National PRO, noticed with dismay, the highhandedness of some security agencies who have been caught on tape manhandling journalists.

He said that the only crime committed by these journalists is that they dared the odds to remain in the streets to report COVID-19 response across Nigeria in a selfless show of patriotism.

It is particularly shocking that instead of commendation, the Nigerian journalists are being battered in clear breach of their rights as professionals going about their national service.

OMPAN calls on the heads of Nigerian security establishments to reign in their operatives. The journalist is supposed to be protected and not endengered.

OMPAN will like to also use this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to put together a financial stimulus to support the vital work that journalists across Nigeria are doing, especially with respect to the coverage of COVID-19 response. It goes without saying that journalists are the only other professionals standing side by side, and risking their lives together with health workers to spread hope.

This is the least government can do to show that it truly values the vital services that journalists render.


Popular Post

Tension In Uruagu Nnewi As Community Leaders Dare Soludo,Defy Court Order

The President of Uruagu-Nnewi Development Union, Chief Sunday Okoli aka Organizer, and the Obi of Uruagu-Nnewi community in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State, His Majesty Afamefuna Charles Obi, have swept Soludo's directive to the gutters, by reason of their suspension and subsequent dessolution of the leadership of the community's youth forum, led by Ejike Ifejiofor, and subsequent appointment of caretaker executive to pilot the affairs of youths in the community. The Anambra governor had, through a letter dated August 9, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Martin Agbili, warned the community leaders to stay any action regarding suspension of the Uruagu-Nnewi youth forum. The community had, through its PG, Chief Okoli, written to the Ministry of Youths Development, notifying the ministry of "immediate suspension" of the youth group over alleged insecurity in the area. But the ministry,...

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.  Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic.  Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation.  Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

Federal Polytechnic Oko Holds Two-Day Recruitment Interview to Address Staff Shortages

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has begun a two-day interview exercise aimed at recruiting qualified personnel to fill vacant positions arising from staff retirements and other forms of exit from service. The exercise commenced on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and is being overseen by the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, who personally announced the names of shortlisted candidates. Addressing the applicants, Dr. Awuzie cautioned that while many candidates were invited for the exercise, only a limited number would eventually be engaged, citing budgetary constraints facing the institution. She urged the candidates to remain patient and understanding throughout the process. According to the Rector, the recruitment exercise was structured to ensure transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with approved financial limits. Speaking with journalists at the interview venue, the Acting Registrar, Chief Dominic Nwagwu, explained that the exercise became necessary...