NUJ Pledges Assistance To Sick Journalist

The Enugu State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has pledged to assist its former state Vice Chairman and reporter for Insider Magazine, Mr Aham Uba who has been bed-ridden for a year and six months, after a fatal auto crash that affected his spinal cord.

NUJ made the pledge when the newly elected officials and other members led by the Chairman, Mr. Dilibe Louis, visited Uba in his Enugu home.

Dilibe told the ailing member that the union was not happy that he has not been able to stand on his feet for over 18 months, assuring him, however, that by God’s grace, he would be back to his feet.

The newly elected NUJ chairman regretted that Uba’s tragedy occurred while he was on active service as a journalist and promised that the union would always canvass for support to his family up-keep and medical bills.

Dilibe used the forum to stress the need for insurance cover and urged every journalist to endeavour to utilise the NUJ insurance scheme initiated by the National President of NUJ, Mallam Garuba Mohammed, and yearly update the premium in case of incidents like that of Mr. Uba.

The bed-ridden Uba congratulated the Enugu State NUJ for what he called an intimidating visit and show of solidarity on him, saying. “It is uncommon for journalists to abandon their tight schedules to pay visits and I am flattered,”.

Uba said the gesture was a pointer to the fact that the Enugu NUJ now has the kind of leadership it desires, and cares for the welfare of its members. “I have been bed-ridden for a year and six months but I have made remarkable improvement,” he said.

He however said that his source of living has been very limited except for some friends adding. “My family need assistance and prayer from the union and the entire world but more importantly I am reassured by this visit that I am already standing up.”