Mirian Gom 
LOKOJA, Nigeria – The Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has urged the state government to establish a comprehensive insurance scheme for practising journalists following a road accident involving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
The appeal comes after journalists were involved in an accident on Obajana Road while returning from an official assignment on Saturday.
In a statement released on Monday, the union said insurance coverage had become necessary because of the occupational risks associated with journalism.
The statement was jointly signed by the council chairman, Ademu Haruna, and secretary, Atuluku Samuel.
“It has become imperative to appeal to the Kogi Government to give serious consideration to insurance cover for practising journalists,” the statement said.
The union said journalists play a critical role in promoting democracy, accountability and national development and therefore deserve adequate welfare and protection.
“No investment is too much when it comes to safeguarding the lives of media professionals who work tirelessly, often under hazardous conditions, to keep society informed,” the statement added.
The council said a structured insurance policy would improve morale, professionalism and commitment among media practitioners carrying out their constitutional duties.
It also argued that such a policy would demonstrate the government’s commitment to journalists’ welfare and strengthen relations between the media and the state.
The union thanked God that members of the Correspondents’ Chapel survived the accident and prayed against a recurrence.
The council further called on authorities to address what it described as reckless driving by heavy-duty truck operators along Obajana Road.
“It is important for the appropriate authorities to address the alarming rate of recklessness among some truck drivers,” the statement said.
The union warned that disregard for traffic regulations had contributed to avoidable accidents, deaths and destruction of property.
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