The Katsina State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned its members to be cautious in the coverage of the coronavirus pandemic after ace journalist, Ayinde Soaga, tested positive.
Mr Soaga, who is General-Mnager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Katsina, is the latest media practitioner to be infected by COVID-19.
Secretary Sokoto NUJ, Abdallah El-Kurebe, tested positive over the weekend and is currently on isolation.
Like healthcare givers and security personnel, journalists have been exposed to the contagion which has claimed almost 300,000 lives and nearly 100 in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by President, Tukur Dan-Ali, on Tuesday, NUJ sympathized with Mr Soaga, his family and NTA.
The body, however, cautioned “members in Katsina State to be cautious and continue to take all precautionary measures during coverage of events and while delivering their services”.
Dan-Alli added: “This, of course indicated the fact that Journalists are,exposed to danger in this hard period of rampage spread of Covid 19 pandemic every where in Nigeria particularly in most affected States including Katsina.
” The, NUJ strongly believed that Alh. Ayinde Suaga contracted the corona virus as a result of his day to day service as Journalist and leader of NTA Katsina.
“We equally observed that there was no time in the recent history of Katsina State that the Media House in Katsina and their workers needed support from government and non governmental organizations than now.
” Katsina State government and other stake holders should as a matter of urgency provide Media Organisations and all the practicing Journalists with Personal Protective Equipments (PPE,) and other needed support to continue with the hard work of Journalism Practice during this pandemic period.
” We thanked Katsina State government as well as its special task force on Covid 19 for for working round the clock to control the spread of the pandemic.
“The NUJ also called on people of the state to support government’s policies and programmes especially on the current corona virus pandemic.
Meanwhile in a statement, Soaga’s family said he is in high spirits and not bedridden.
The statement said Soaga volunteered himself for the test which was carried out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
No further details were given on how he contracted the virus.
“The Family of Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, GM, NTA Katsina appreciates the numerous phone calls and concern raised about the report as regards his testing positive to COVID 19,” it read.
“We wish to confirm that he is in high spirits, not bedridden, as he personally called in the NCDC officials to carry out the test on him.
“Aware that the COVID-19 is not a death sentence and believing in God for healing, we seek your prayers for speedy and divine healing which Almighty Allah gives.”
The family also extended its appreciation to individuals and groups for their quick intervention and prayers.
One of my favorite NTA broadcaster I sincerely pray for his swift recovery.