By Stella Okoh-Esene
The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Correspondents Chapel organised a health and wellness Seminar today with the theme: Occupational Health Awareness and Social Welfare”, at the NUJ FCT Secretariat Abuja.
The seminar which converged experts on occupational health and social welfare buttressed on sudden death syndrome causes and prevention, preparing for retirement and managing aging, occupational hazard and safety measures, social welfare benefits to Journalists and many more.
Speaking at the occasion, the Guest Speaker, the Director General, National Senior Citizens Centre Nigeria, Dr Emem Omokaro, lamented that most Journalists do not have health insurance either for themselves or for family members and this causes a lot of stress on them.
She maintained that some Journalists are overwhelmed with anxiety as they retire without proper preparation. According to her, “some Journalists suffer when they go on retirement; they should reduce the risk of harm, by planning, and staying healthy. Journalists should take responsibility for themselves and their health by engaging in regular exercise and healthy lifestyles”.
“The years you invested on your profession; your time, energy and resources should be for your advantage and not disadvantage. In your youthful years invest in yourselves and fight for your social right.
“Noting that from 18years and above, most youths begin to choose career or decide to either switch profession or remain in the same profession.”
Dr Emem who said employment gives people career, goals and compensation, also said compensation meets our needs and widens our horizons.
Addressing the participants, on Occupational Health, the Chief Host, Comrade Grace Ike, regretted that most Journalists do not take care of their physical, mental and emotional health
She called for work safety and support healthcare system for Journalists, adding that mental health and social welfare security is crucial for Journalists.
Addressing the participants, on Occupational Health, the Chief Host, Comrade Grace Ike, regretted that most Journalists do not take care of their physical, mental and emotional health.
In his Opening Remarks the Chairman of the Occasion, Sir Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, CFR, mni, IGP (Rtd) commended the Journalists for “taking your health serious. The theme is timely and am happy that you people are planning for Ageing. I wish you all a fruitful deliberation” he said via a message to the gathering.
Mrs Bolanle Ernest, Medical Law Practice and Ethics/Health Insurance Expert, another Guest speaker at the Seminar, charged Journalists to lay good foundation for themselves today, especially social welfares that will meet their needs in the future.
She urged Employers to create conducive environment, social welfare support system and avoid toxicity in work environment.
She said employee should create health insurance scheme for themselves if their employer didn’t create some.
Emphasizing on Sudden death syndrome, causes and prevention, she urged the audience to take care of themselves to avoid sudden death.
Chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath is the signal of sudden death. family history is important to know causes of some illness, also avoid red meat, and alcohol should be reduced once one passes the age of 40.” Bolanle said.
In his welcome Remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, described Journalism as a noble profession and encouraged Journalists to care for their health. According to him, “health is wealth and everyone’s fundamental human rights. Journalism is a special profession. He call for institutional support, to create enabling environment for the Journalists. also, good working environment and remuneration.
In the same vein, Comrade Tita Onyebuchi Nze, Assistant. National Secretary, NUJ, said Journalism is driven by passion hence there is a lot of risk associated with the profession. Narrating the risk he faced as an undercover Journalist, the perils in journalism, he encouraged Journalists to pay adequate attention to their health and desist from heavy drinking of alcohol.
He charged Journalists to form wellfare associations that would enabled them to contribute money for that could be use for their well being in hard times.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Head of Operations, National Blood Service Agency in Nigeria, Dr. Titilope Kolade expressed the readiness of the Organization to collaborate with Journalists on awareness campaign on the importance of Blood Donation.
She Also commended some journalists for their willingness to donate blood in order to save lives.
Highlights of the occasion included panel discussions and goodwill messages from different government agencies and parastatals.
Meanwhile Bizziii Medical Health Check Screened and administered free doses of their Herbal products to over 100 journalists. To speak to Chibuike Nwaneri call (08032770244). Total cost if quantified would be about N10m. According to Nwaneri “i did it for humanity knowing that if a journalist is cured he would bring me many clients”.
Meanwhile, Comrade Joy Omagha Idam, the Secretary of the Welfare Committee, who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the chapel thanked the Guest Speakers and fellow Journalists for their active participation.
Communique Drafting Committee are
Comrade Peace Ofeoshi and Comrade Godson Etete