BY ADAMU NGULDE
Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, a journalist in Borno, has expressed his displeasure over the neglect one of their colleagues, Late Haruna Dauda Biu, suffered during the course of his 4-year illness.
Biu, who died Sunday, was a staff of the Hausa service of the VOA. He also held various positions in the state chapter of NUJ, including being the chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel.
Adamu said, 'Mal. Haruna was abandoned, forgotten, and not given proper care during his battle with chronic illness at his residence in 1000 Housing Estate Housing Maiduguri, instead of a hospital for continuous medical care.'
Ngulde's statement, entitled 'media nonchalance towards journalist Haruna Dauda Biu until his demise,' was filled with emotion and depicted Biu's demise as not only a personal tragedy but also a scathing critique of a system that dismisses its own once they are considered no longer useful.
Biu dedicated over three decades of his life to journalism with tireless dedication, passion, and integrity, Mr. Ngulde wrote.
"When illness struck, the media organization he worked for with pride did not offer any support to his family, whether economic, moral, or even just a token gesture."
"Late Haruna died with a broken body, but the true tragedy was that his spirit was abandoned.
"Even in his final resting place, he maintained his dignity - which was not upheld by those who turned their backs on him," Ngulde added.
He praised a few kindhearted colleagues and friends who stayed by the deceased until his last breath, stating that their humanity is something worth admiring.
"What worries me and draws my attention about Haruna's situation is that," Mr. Ngulde continued, 'if a veteran journalist like Mr. Biu, who was one of VOA's capable reporters in West Africa, with guaranteed monthly emolument, would be abandoned because he was no longer in active service, what would be the case for me and our colleagues, who are currently battling as freelance journalists? When we reach our destination in the writing profession, would our media colleagues or organizations give us a reward?"
Ngulde's message concludes with a prayer that requests Allah to forgive his shortcomings, perfect his legacy, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.