As the state begin total lockdown today in response to the spread of Coronavirus pandemic, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council has cautioned journalists on essential duties to take necessary precautions in protecting themselves from possible infection and ensure the usage of necessary kits for protection.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday by the Chairman, Kehinde Ayantunji and Secretary, Bukola Elufadejin, the union enjoins members to strictly adhere to the social distancing order in any assignment and avoid congested vehicle wihile moving round the state.
Members are also urged to be more professional while reporting events in the state .This is to prevent misinformation which can eventually cause more harm than good, bearing in mind that the people of the state at home will largely depend on media during the partial curfew.
The union, while commending the state Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola for taking proactive steps in curtailing further spread of the virus, urged government various technical responses and communication committees to always make important information available and respond swiftly to questions from journalists to prevent rumour and speculations.
“We are equally worried and concerned as a union, this is trying period for Nigeria and the state government must put in its best to enhance the capacity of the enforcement team and employ ad hoc staff if necessary to ensure total complaince and provide necessary kits including sanitiser for Journalists and all other essential workers.
“We urge the people of the state to comply with the lockdown and observe laid down social distance and necessary hygiene. It is in the larger interest of the state. We also appeal to the police and all other security agencies to be civil in the course of enforcing law and order on the lockdown directives and cooperate with journalists on essential duties to ensure ease movement.
“Just a reminder to the security agents that the exemption includes those responsible for the inter state circulation of daily newspapers. We also enjoin our members who are not on duty to stay at home and avoid inter state movement for that two weeks. The union secretriat will be alive to monitor the situation and respond accordingly,” the statement said.
