The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has called on the state government to address pressing issues in security, healthcare, and education while expressing appreciation to members for their support over the last three years.
The call was made at the council’s monthly congress held on March 27, 2025, at the NUJ Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure. The session, presided over by the Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, marked the final congress under the outgoing executive committee and witnessed a large turnout of members from various chapels.
In his address, Prince Adegbite expressed gratitude to members for their cooperation, unity, and unwavering support throughout his tenure. He also commended fellow executive members for fostering a harmonious relationship, which he said contributed to the council’s progress.
The congress deliberated on various issues affecting the country and the state, including politics, the economy, security, healthcare, and members’ welfare, and made several resolutions.
Key Resolutions:
1. Implementation of Minimum Wage
The union appealed to the Federal Government to address irregularities in the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, particularly for media workers at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
2. Enhanced Security Measures
Members commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for setting up a Joint Task Force on Security to address recent security challenges. However, they urged the government to provide security agencies with essential tools, including vehicles, drones, trackers, and other logistics, to enhance crime-fighting efforts.
The congress also recommended recruiting additional personnel into the State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, and called for better coordination among security agencies.
3. Declaration of Emergency on Healthcare
Concerned by the deteriorating state of healthcare facilities in Ondo, the union urged the governor to declare a State of Emergency on the health sector to improve service delivery and ease the challenges faced by patients.
4. Relocation of Casket Shop Near Hospital
The union decried the presence of a casket shop near the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Emergency Unit of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Akure Annex. It urged the state government to urgently relocate the shop to prevent psychological trauma for patients and their families.
5. Quarterly Media Chat with the Governor
NUJ called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to revive the quarterly “Meet the Governor” media chat to enhance transparency and keep residents informed about government policies and programs.
6. Teacher Recruitment and Deployment
The union commended the governor for approving the recruitment of teachers for primary and secondary schools and advised that priority should be given to rural areas where teacher shortages are more acute.
The congress concluded with a renewed commitment to professionalism, unity, and constructive engagement with the government to address the concerns of journalists and residents in the state.
