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Journalists in Delta State on Thursday honoured the outgoing Head of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Niger Delta Bureau, Asaba, Mr. Benson Iziama, with glowing tributes as he retired from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the age of 60.

Iziama, who assumed duty at the Asaba bureau in 2021, was celebrated at a send-off ceremony organised by the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where colleagues and media stakeholders praised his dedication, professionalism and cordial relationship with journalists.

The event attracted media executives, correspondents from various chapels, members of the Delta State NUJ Council, and other stakeholders, including the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe; Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli; and former NUJ Chairman, Osita Biose.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Oyowe urged journalists to see retirement as a period of fulfilment and rest after years of service.

He lamented the poor welfare conditions facing journalists, noting that many practitioners were forced to continue working after retirement because of inadequate remuneration and weak pension structures.

According to him, unlike other professions protected by statutory laws, journalism largely operates on ethical principles without sufficient legal safeguards for practitioners.

Oyowe called for the establishment of a regulatory council to strengthen journalism practice and improve the welfare of media professionals in the country.

He also stressed the need for continuous professional development for journalists beyond university education to enhance standards in the profession.

“Retirement is not a death sentence, but a time for joy and settlement, a period to unite with friends and relations while wishing the celebrant the best in his new life,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described retirement as a natural phase in every worker’s career.

He commended Iziama for his supportive leadership style and healthy working relationship with colleagues and subordinates.

Olannye noted that journalism remained intellectually demanding and deserving of better welfare packages for practitioners.

He called on relevant authorities to improve gratuity and pension arrangements for journalists, arguing that poor remuneration had forced many retired media practitioners to remain active in the profession.

“After retirement, journalists should be able to rest, but because of poverty and inadequate remuneration, many still struggle to survive,” he said.

Responding, Iziama expressed gratitude to members of the chapel and other colleagues for organising the send-off ceremony in his honour.

He described the gesture as a reflection of genuine friendship, comradeship and professional solidarity.

“The degree of sacrifice, support, presence and availability was unprecedented,” he said.

He thanked the NUJ leadership, members of the DOPF and other journalists for making the occasion memorable, while praying for continued success and blessings for all.

The event featured goodwill messages, testimonies from journalists and presentation of gifts to the retired NAN bureau chief.