A media and public relations expert, Chief Fidel Onyeneke, has called for enhanced welfare package for media workers in the country considering the hazards associated with their job.
Onyeneke said this while reacting to the death of the Managing Editor of Christian Voice newspaper, Mr Martin Ebe through a statement he issued on Owerri on Tuesday.
Ebe, who hailed from Obazu, Mbieri, Mbaitolu Local Government Area, died at Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, after a protracted illness.
Chief Onyeneke, a former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council, described Ebe’s death as a colossal loss to the media industry in Imo.
He further described the late Ebe as a “renowned veteran journalist who made positive impact towards the educational and socio-economic growth of the country “.
He recalled Ebe’s “ enviable achievements “ when he served as the Managing Director of state-owned Imo Newspapers Ltd, publishers of Nigerian Statesman,
He however regretted that many media workers were not appropriately remunerated by their employers, thereby making them vulnerable to various forms of sicknesses and social deprivations.
Onyeneke called for a unique salary scheme and allowances for media personnel in recognition of their role in public education, entertainment and enlightenment.
He appealed to media organisations to ensure a comprehensive insurance policy for their workers as a deliberate effort to enhance their job security.
He also urged government at all levels to be more proactive in the payment of pensions and gratuities to retired media professional.