The situation whereby editors in print and electronic media live in abject office after being kicked upstairs or leaving their seats is about to become a thing of the past.
According to Funke Egbemode, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, “The editor in Nigeria gives his heart and soul for years. He works impossible hours and labour under the yoke of deadlines for poor remuneration. Then he wakes up one day and he is out of job. He has no savings. He is not equipped for anything outside the newsroom.”
Thus, Egbemode said that is why the Guild now has the Editors Business Group “to take care of ourselves, our future while we take care of everybody.” The group, chaired by Editor of Thisday, Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu, will, as Egbemode revealed, soon deliver a roadmap on “how we can turn our passion into comfort without hurting ethics.”
Egbemode said these in her welcome remarks at this year’s opening ceremony of the Guild of Editor Conference in Port Harcourt.
Right now, Governor N. Wike is on seat to deliver his speech. The first day event is chaired by Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua, a veteran.