The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kebbi Council, donated relief materials and cash to the families of 18 late journalists in the state on Monday.

Presenting the items in Birnin Kebbi, Garba Muhammad-Yeldu, the council’s acting chairman, said the gesture was part of the union’s annual commitment to help the families of deceased members who served in the state.

He said it was a noble course that the union was doing to assist and accommodate families of late colleagues in the state.

The acting chairman called on other journalists and the general public to visit the homes and make donations to the families of their fallen colleagues.

According to him, donating the items is to support the families during this critical period, when assistance is most needed due to hardship occasioned by the high cost of living.

Mr Muhammad-Yeldu explained that the union secured donations from well-to-do individuals and members of the society.

“The gesture will go a long way in cushioning the effects of the challenges they are facing, especially in this period,” he observed.

Also speaking, the chief press secretary to the Kebbi Governor, Ahmed Idris, described the gesture as a “Godly deed,” especially during Ramadan.

He said the act would no doubt aid in alleviating the hardship and difficulties faced by the families of the deceased journalists in the state.

“This gesture is not only highly commendable but also encouraging. We have nothing to say but to thank you for this initiation and assistance to the families of our late colleagues,” he said.

The donated items included a 25kg bag of rice and N15,000 to each of the deceased families. 

(NAN)