The heartbreaking tale of the New Nigerian Newspapers staff, both retired and serving, is a stark reminder of the nation’s failure to prioritize its heroes. As the company’s owner, vested in the 19 northern states government, continues to neglect their welfare, the staff suffer in silence. The devastating consequence: about 110 staff members have lost their lives, succumbing to terminal illnesses, hunger, and frustration.
The root cause of this crisis lies in the government’s inability to pay the staff’s entitlements and accrued rights. This is not just a financial issue but a moral obligation. These individuals dedicated their prime and productive years to serving the nation, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure they receive the care and compensation they deserve.
Instead, the governors have turned a blind eye, choosing to play politics rather than address the pressing needs of these heroes. It is unconscionable that those who were elected to power by the very people they now neglect are more focused on maintaining their grip on power than on fulfilling their duties to the citizens.
The New Nigerian Newspapers staff are not just statistics or nameless faces; they are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and children who have been left to suffer. Their plight is a reflection of the nation’s values and priorities. As a society, we must demand more from our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions.
The governors of the 19 northern states must take immediate action to address the welfare of the New Nigerian Newspapers staff. This includes paying their entitlements, providing access to healthcare, and ensuring that they receive the respect and dignity they deserve.
The nation owes a debt of gratitude to these heroes, and it is time for the government to pay up. We cannot continue to neglect those who have given so much to our nation. The time for change is now.
By Ola Jones Former News Editor Sunday New Nigerian Lagos plant
