Curfew: Respect journalists as essential service providers, Oyo NUJ cautions security

The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Oyo State Council on Monday cautioned security agencies in the state to respect journalists as essential service providers as the dusk to dawn curfew declared by State Government began.

In a release jointly signed its Chairman, Mr Ademola Babalola and Secretary, Mr Sola Oladapo in Ibadan, the Union maintained that journalists are major stakeholders in the efforts to curtail the spread of corona virus(COVID-19).

The NUJ also  called on heads of security agencies in the state to caution their officers from harassing journalists in the discharge of their duties during the period of the curfew.

It  further called on media organisations to provide kits and sanitisers to their crews and ensure only experienced reporters are made to handle critical report at the period.

The NUJ urged members to maintain social distancing at their live interview programmes, while handwashing basins and sanitisers be provided at every important corridor.

The union also called on media managers to allow colleagues work from home except where it was absolutely necessary to come to office or studio.