Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Veteran journalist and publisher of Tunes Magazine, Comrade Ambassador Olatunde Oladunjoye, has announced his commitment to provide financial support to families of deceased journalists in Ogun State, offering a startup fund of N1,000,000 to help them navigate economic hardship.
This gesture comes alongside his plans to establish a drug revolving scheme for ailing journalists.
Oladunjoye made the announcement on Tuesday during a visit by the management of Boseri, an online Yoruba newspaper published by Johnson Akinpelu. During the visit, he was honored with the award of ‘Opomulero Akoroyin’ at his office in Leme, Abeokuta.
Explaining his motivation, Oladunjoye emphasized that while the late journalists can no longer serve as breadwinners for their families, their widows and children should not be forgotten by the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
“The sum of N1,000,000 will be distributed among ten families, with each receiving N100,000 to help alleviate the economic challenges they face,” Oladunjoye said.
In addition to the financial support, Oladunjoye also announced a drug revolving scheme starting with N250,000.
This initiative will allow ailing journalists to procure expensive medications at a reduced rate, in partnership with professionals in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
As more funds become available, Oladunjoye assured that additional journalists would benefit from the scheme.
“I want to create a drug revolving scheme for our colleagues who need medications. We will add doctors to the committee and collaborate with pharmacies where journalists can buy drugs at lower rates. This is my way of giving back to the profession that made me,” he added.
In his remarks, Boseri publisher, Akinpelu praised Oladunjoye for his selflessness and dedication, describing him as a reliable figure who extends his support not only to journalists but to anyone whose path he crosses.
Akinpelu noted that Oladunjoye’s impactful contributions to journalism and society make him deserving of the honors he has received, including the latest recognition as “Opomulero Akoroyin.”
Oladunjoye’s initiative is expected to provide much-needed relief to the families of late journalists and ailing members of the profession in Ogun State.