By Omowumi Omotosho
The Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has called on the Federal and State governments to accord immediate and specific attention to the gapping needs and plights of the families of media professionals and scholars in the flood ravaged areas of Maiduguri, Borno state.
According to a statement by the Association, the call became necessary in view of the sacrifices being made by media professionals despite the gapping challenges they too face as victims of the devastating flooding.
The statement, signed by the National Secretary of the Association, Dr Biodun Oyeleye, said according attention to media workers in this situation, will help them to be more focused in their services to the country, including delivering quality services to their audiences and the global community.
While appreciating efforts by all tiers of government in dealing with the aftermath of the flooding, the statement however tasked the federal and state governments to redouble their efforts in dealing with the issue of flooding across Nigeria as a way of continually safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
Text of the statement reads: “The Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has followed with distress the devastating impact of the recent flood that occurred in Maiduguri and its suburbs in Borno State, Nigeria.
“The unfortunate incident has led to needles loss of lives and destruction of property, at a time the nation is grappling with hunger and other economic vicissitudes occasioned by soaring prices of goods and services, along with food insecurity.
“At this sobering moment, our hearts go out to the families of victims of the flood disaster and other Nigerians in this precarious situation.
“While we place on record the swift response of all tiers of government to this development, we wish to ask that no efforts be spared by all stakeholders, until the last victim has been attended to and is in a safe house.
“We understand the peculiar situation of our members, including media workers and the academic community, who have the unenviable responsibility of still covering this unfortunate incident in order to bring news regarding the disaster to the general public.
“We have seen many of them braving through deep waters, risking their lives as they work in very challenging conditions to ensure that while the public remains on high alert, they are still provided with accurate, adequate and up-to-date information. We salute their courage and commitment to the profession and wish them safety in the course of duty.
“Already, many of our members are displaced by the flood, like other residents of the Maiduguri township and have been forced into emergency camps. We therefore call on the Federal and State governments to accord immediate and specific attention to the gapping needs and plights of the families of media professionals and scholars in the flood ravaged environment so that they can be more focused in their services to our own motherland, including delivering quality services to their audiences and the global community.
“We assure our esteemed members that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. We pray that the Almighty will comfort over every form of loss that you may have suffered as a result of this flooding.“We call on the federal and state governments to redouble their efforts in dealing with the issue of flooding across Nigeria as a way of continually safeguarding the lives and property of citizens”.
