The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) Foundation, in collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria and others, has extended its aid to the widows, widowers, and ailing journalists of 23 deceased journalists in the country.
To this end, the distribution of gift items to the 23 beneficiaries was held on Saturday, 29th of June 2024, at The City Pulse Lounge LTV8, Agidingbi Ikeja. This event marked the second edition of NASRE Foundation’s outreach programme, aimed at providing financial and moral support to journalists in need.
The foundation supported 23 beneficiaries from Ogun and Lagos States, who are widows, widowers, and those facing health challenges, with cash and Nestlé products.
Some of the beneficiaries include: Stanley Okoronkwo, who worked with The Comet, Today’s Choice, and The Nation Newspaper; Kayode Aponmade, who worked with Daily Times; Adebiyi Regina Aderemi, who worked with Ogun State Television; Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka, who worked with News Continental; Soneye Olusegun Afolabi, Director of Information at Obafemi Owode Local Government; Ogunade Dorcas Adejumoke; Princewill Ekwurujuru, who worked with Vanguard Newspaper; Michael Alonge, who worked with Fame Magazine and Global Excellence; Tunde Bello, who worked with Global Times; Lekan Onalapo, former City People photojournalist; Dapo Oshin, who worked with LTV8; Johnmark Ukoko, former Guardian and Daily Times staff; and Josiah Abiola, who worked with Global Excellence.
Similarly, the family of Stanley Okoronkwo, a veteran journalist who worked for The Nation Newspaper and is currently down with a stroke, and Mike Alonge, a celebrity journalist who started with Fame Magazine and Global Excellence Magazine and was the publisher of Mikeangelonews.com before he died on December 10, 2022, after a mild illness, are among the beneficiaries.
Another beneficiary is the family of Princewill Ekwujuru, former chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN), who worked with Vanguard Newspaper until his death in August 2021.
Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka, the former Ogun NUJ caretaker chairperson who worked with News Continental and lost her husband two years ago, and Remi Adebiyi, who worked with Ogun State Television and also lost her husband some years ago, equally benefited from the initiative.
Moreover, Mr. Lekan Onalapo, former City People photojournalist, lost his wife and their new baby during childbirth some months ago.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and were elated for the support received.
Soneye Olusegun Afolabi, a journalist from Ogun, remarked, “At first, I thought it was a scam. I lost my wife eight years ago, and this is the first time I’m receiving any assistance from any organization in the past eight years. I applaud this initiative and pray for the association.”
Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka, the former Ogun NUJ caretaker chairperson, said, “My husband died two and a half years ago. Like the first beneficiary said, I have not received such assistance from any media organization. The media job is hazardous, and it’s important that the general public knows that journalists or media practitioners also need help.”
Gboyega Aponmade, the son of the late veteran journalist, Prince Kayode Aponmade, expressed his appreciation: “When my mom called and told me she was reached out to by a media association willing to support her as a widow, I was skeptical because I’ve not seen such since he died. I had to follow her to see for myself, and I must confess that it’s overwhelming. I hope this initiative does not end so that the association can do more. I applaud the association directors and pray for their success.”
In his address, the President of NASRE and NASRE Media Foundation, Comrade Femi Oyewale, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting media practitioners in need:
“We are dedicated to providing continuous support to media practitioners facing challenges, within the limits of our resources. The NASRE Media Foundation was established with the mission to assist those in our profession who are struggling. I urge corporate organizations, public and private institutions, and individuals to support our foundation in any way they can. Together, we can ensure that no media practitioner is left without help in times of need.”
The NASRE Media Foundation’s support programme continues to be a beacon of hope for media practitioners and their families, providing much-needed assistance and fostering a sense of community and solidarity within the media industry.