By Fatima Shittu
Ibadan – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Oyo State has rejected the casualisation of media professionals.
The council in a statement jointly issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the Chairman, Adewunmi Faniran, and Secretary, Bola Ogunlayi, condemned the forced resignation of journalists and their subsequent employment as stringers.
The statement was issued against the backdrop of this year’s celebration of the Press Freedom Day which had as theme: “Keeping Power in Check: Media Justice and the Rule of Law. ”
” The union observes with sadness that it is now the trend mostly in print media of disengaging staff or asking them to resign and later re-engaging them as stringers or freelance journalists.
” Such act runs contrary to the freedom and justice being sought after in the practice of Journalism,’’ the statement said.
The union also condemned in strong terms all other forms of inhuman treatment of journalists such as poor pay package and working conditions as well as lack of functional and modern equipment in work places.
While observing the aptness of this year’s theme which marks the 25th edition, the union pledged the commitment of journalists in Oyo State to ensuring proper discharge of their constitutional roles .
It, however, urged all critical stakeholders in the media industry to make concerted efforts at ensuring and enhancing better welfare package for media professionals. (NAN)