Mr Silas Nwoha, the Editor-in-Chief (E-I-C) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged the agency’s management to prioritize the funding of editorial operations.
Nwoha made the appeal during his opening remarks at the two-day NAN Annual Editorial Conference on Wednesday in Ilorin.
He requested that additional incentives for the editorial department be approved immediately in order to encourage hard work and total commitment.
He also urged management to increase reporters’ monthly transportation allowances and to pay staff entitlements such as transfer allowances on time.
The E-I-C observed that members of the editorial department were currently working under impossible circumstances.
“It is truly a miracle that NAN has continued to dominate the Nigerian media space in the face of such adversity.”
“I commend our men and women who have had to train themselves on the job and use their salaries to ensure that NAN remains relevant.”
“I salute everyone as we continue to request that the government investigate the plight of NAN workers.” “If given the opportunity to serve in the way we want to, we will do more,” Nwoha said.
Furthermore, he requested that the managing director increase funding for the sponsorship of NAN correspondents to cover special assignments, recalling that “this is how it used to be.”
“Moreso, the working environment needs to be thoroughly examined, particularly at the state and district offices.”
“NAN offices across the country should be provided with basic amenities such as chairs, tables, televisions, and water dispensers.”
“Management should seriously consider hiring more people for the editorial department.” “More district offices should be established to report on grassroots activities,” Nwoha urged.
According to him, the agency’s strength lies in its ability to report on activities in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
“Immediate attention should be paid to editorial department training.”
“The department is plagued by a lack of trained manpower, especially as the few skilled ones continue to retire.”
“Considering the quality of our output from day to day,” the E-I-C added, “the future appears bleak.”
According to him, NAN Forum has continued to dominate the media space from week to week, highlighting NAN’s position as Nigeria’s dominant media house.
“We continue to advise ministers, government officials, and business leaders to use the NAN Forum to publicize their activities.”
“In comparison to 2020, the editorial department produced more stories, photos, television reports, and news features this year.”
“This is despite the growing pains that reporters and editors face in our daily efforts to perform our duties,” Nwoha said.
He cited a lack of working tools such as midgets, computers, laptops, vehicles, and even writing pads and biros as one of the difficulties.
“No media house can function optimally when gadgets needed for modern-day journalism are totally lacking,” he said.
No fewer than 60 participants are attending the Ilorin retreat.
NAN recalls that the editorial conference was last held in 2019 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.