By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has urged the state and federal governments to prioritise journalists’ welfare while addressing key issues affecting the media industry, governance, security, and infrastructure in the state.
This was the highlight of the January Congress held at the Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka-Akure, on Thursday.
Presided over by the state chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, the Congress, which commenced with a special prayer session, was well attended by members from various chapels across the state.
The meeting addressed a wide range of issues, including politics, the economy, security, and environmental concerns, alongside the welfare of media practitioners.
A key resolution of the Congress was the commendation of the state NUJ leadership under Adegbite for its unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of journalists in Ondo State.
Members praised the executives for their proactive stance and urged them to remain steadfast in their efforts.
The Congress also voiced concern over the exclusion of workers at Owena Press, publishers of The Hope newspapers, from the newly approved ₦73,000 minimum wage by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
It called on the governor to urgently intervene and ensure that The Hope employees benefit from the wage increase, considering the harsh economic conditions in the country.
Similarly, the Congress demanded that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) closely monitor the implementation of the new minimum wage for federal media organisations, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
It urged the Accountant General of the Federation to develop a clear and fair template for wage implementation to prevent discrepancies that could disadvantage media workers.
In the area of media development, the Congress expressed satisfaction with the ongoing repositioning of the OSRC/Orange FM media group under the leadership of CEO and Director-General Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson.
Members encouraged him to sustain the positive changes being introduced to the organisation.
The Congress also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for successfully conducting local government elections after years of administrative gaps in the council system. It called on the newly elected council bosses to prioritise infrastructural development, particularly at the grassroots level.
Environmental concerns were also raised, with the Congress decrying the growing trend of traders displaying goods on major roads in Akure, as well as the indiscriminate parking of tricycles along the Arakale/NEPA-Oba Adesida axis.
The state government was urged to create designated parking spaces and provide alternative markets for displaced traders in areas such as Alagbaka and NEPA.
The Congress further expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the recruitment of teachers into public primary and secondary schools, despite the process commencing nearly a year ago. It urged the state government to remove all bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the recruitment to prevent a further decline in the education sector.
On security matters, the NUJ commended the new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Olutokunbo Afolabi, for introducing the ‘Safe Community’ initiative.
The programme aims to resolve communal disputes and enhance peaceful coexistence among residents.
In closing, the Congress expressed gratitude to the immediate past Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, for his support in hosting the meeting.
It also appreciated individuals and organisations that contributed to the success of the 2024 Ondo NUJ Press Week celebrations.
The communiqué was drafted by Precious Oluwole (Federated Chapel), Omorinola Hungbeji (OSRC/Orange FM Chapel), and Isaac Afolabi (Radio Nigeria Positive FM Chapel), and was officially signed by the NUJ State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack.
