The Kwara Government on Friday, presented a cheque for N1.69 million to the state council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) as insurance premium for members of the union.

Presenting the cheque in Ilorin, Prince Tunji Moronfoye, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, said the action was in fulfilment of a pledge the government made to the union.

Moronfoye said the state government appreciated the efforts and cooperation of members of NUJ for the success of its programmes.

"Government approved the money since the beginning of the year but was only able to get the financial backing recently.

"The government agreed to pay the money as early as possible every year and will not renege on the promise," he said.

He, however, urged the council to engage a reputable insurance company through a broker within the state to ensure that the insurance served its purpose.

Moronfoye said the insurance covered illness, accident and death and prayed that "evil will not befall any member of the union in the state."

In his remark, Mr Abiodun Abdulkareem, the State Chairman of NUJ, commended the government for fulfilling the pledged and promised continued cooperation of the union with the government.

"On behalf of all members of the NUJ in Kwara, I thank the present administration in the state for the gesture.

"We pledge our further support and cooperation with the government," he said. (NAN)