In a heartfelt gesture, the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) Foundation, alongside Nestlé Nigeria, has reached out to journalists, offering aid to their widows, widowers, and ailing colleagues.
On June 29, 2024, the NASRE Foundation held its second outreach program at The City Pulse Lounge LTV8, Agidingbi, Ikeja. The event saw the distribution of gift items, cash, and Nestlé products to the beneficiaries from Ogun and Lagos States, all of whom are either widows, widowers, or journalists battling health issues.
The beneficiaries included:
– Stanley Okoronkwo, formerly of The Comet, Today’s Choice, and The Nation Newspaper.
– Kayode Aponmade of Daily Times.
– Adebiyi Regina Aderemi from Ogun State Television.
– Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka of News Continental.
– Soneye Olusegun Afolabi, Director of Information at Obafemi Owode Local Government.
– Princewill Ekwurujuru of Vanguard Newspaper.
– Michael Alonge of Fame Magazine and Global Excellence.
– Tunde Bello of Global Times.
– Lekan Onalapo, a former City People photojournalist.
– Dapo Oshin of LTV8.
– Johnmark Ukoko, previously with Guardian and Daily Times.
– Josiah Abiola from Global Excellence.
The initiative also extended to the families of prominent journalists like Stanley Okoronkwo, who is currently battling a stroke, and Mike Alonge, who passed away on December 10, 2022, after a brief illness. Additionally, the family of Princewill Ekwujuru, former chairman of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, received support following his death in August 2021.
Expressing their gratitude, the beneficiaries shared their stories and appreciation. Soneye Olusegun Afolabi, a journalist from Ogun, said, “I initially thought it was a scam. After losing my wife eight years ago, this is the first assistance I’ve received. I commend this initiative and pray for its continuity.”
Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka echoed similar sentiments, “My husband died two and a half years ago, and I have never received such help from any media organization. It’s important for the public to know that journalists also need support.”
Gboyega Aponmade, son of the late Prince Kayode Aponmade, was moved by the foundation’s efforts: “When my mom told me about the support, I was skeptical. Seeing this for myself, I’m overwhelmed. I hope this initiative continues to grow.”
NASRE President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, emphasized the foundation’s mission: “We are committed to supporting media practitioners in need. The NASRE Media Foundation was created to assist those facing challenges within our profession. I urge corporations, institutions, and individuals to support our cause so that no media practitioner is left without help in times of need.”
The NASRE Media Foundation’s support program stands as a testament to the solidarity and community spirit within the media industry, offering much-needed relief and hope to those in need.
