By ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli has donated food items as palliatives to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondent Chapel.
The monarch said journalists were also part of the frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli, also said that the gesture was to cushion the effect of the lockdown occassioned by the COVID-19 global pandemic on the journalists.
Ikenwoli commended journalists for the unequal roles they play in educating and sensitising the public particularly at this trying times in humanity saying that they needed to be appreciated.
AUTHENTIC NEWS DAILY gathered that the items were presented on Saturday May 2, 2020 to members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in Warri by Chief Eugene Ikomi on behalf of the King.
The items which included: a Cow; 40 bags of 10kg parboiled rice; 30 tubers of yam; a bag of beans (100kg); three 25 litres of vegetable oil and four cartons of Tin tomato paste where presented to the chapel over the weekend.
Recall that the Delta government had ordered the lockdown of the state with effect from April 1, 2020 as measure to tackle the spread of the global scourge.
The four weeks stay-at-home order was, however, relaxed on April 29, 2020.
According to him, “Journalists were also part of the frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
“It is the tradition of the Palace to reach out to people across the kingdom, whether they are natives or not.
“This gesture is to appreciate the Warri Correspondents chapel for their efforts in sensitising the people of Warri Kingdom during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Accept this token, no matter how small it may be. The love for journalists working in this kingdom is paramount is to us,” the monarch said.
The 20th Olu of Warri His Royal Majesty Ogiame, Ikenwoli was coronated on Dec. 12, 2015 and installed as His Royal Majesty Ogiame.
Ikomi, who is the Secretary, Palace Council of Chief was flanked by Chief Winifred Agbejule and Prince Yemi Emiko at the the presentation.
The items were received by Mr Victor O. Okpomor, Chairman, Warri Correspondents chapel, Mr Voke Uvwie, Akpokona Omafuaire, Emmanuel Ogoigbe among others.
