The council made the call following a road accident involving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel on the Obajana Road on Saturday while they were returning from an official assignment.
The appeal is contained in a statement jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Mr Ademu Haruna, and Secretary, Dr Atuluku Samuel, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Monday.
The council described insurance cover for journalists as a necessity, considering the occupational hazards associated with the profession.
It noted that journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, play a critical role in promoting democracy, accountability and national development, and therefore deserve adequate welfare and protection through a structured insurance policy.
According to the council, the state government should, as a matter of urgency, establish a comprehensive insurance scheme for practising journalists in the state.
It said the initiative would boost the morale, commitment, courage and professionalism of media practitioners in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“It has become imperative to appeal to the Kogi Government to give serious consideration to insurance cover for practising journalists.
“No investment is too much when it comes to safeguarding the lives of media professionals who work tirelessly, often under hazardous conditions, to keep society informed.
“Such a policy would further demonstrate government’s commitment to the welfare of journalists and strengthen its cordial relationship with the media,” the statement said.
The council thanked God for sparing the lives of members of the Correspondents’ Chapel involved in the accident and prayed against a recurrence.
It also urged the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to check the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers operating on the Obajana Road.
The council expressed concern over what it described as the reckless driving habits of some truck drivers, saying their actions had continued to endanger the lives of other road users.
“It is important for the appropriate authorities to address the alarming rate of recklessness among some truck drivers.
“Their disregard for other road users has resulted in avoidable accidents, loss of lives and destruction of property.
“Strict enforcement of traffic regulations and appropriate sanctions against offenders will go a long way in reducing these incidents,” it stated.
The council wished journalists injured in the accident a speedy recovery and reaffirmed its commitment to responsible, ethical and professional journalism despite the risks associated with the profession. (NAN)
