NUJ Ondo Congress Hails Govt Support, Seeks Speedy Completion of Press Centre Projects
1st December, 2025
The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for sustained government and stakeholder commitment to media development, workers’ welfare and regional security, following its Congress held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure. The well-attended meeting, presided over by the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, deliberated on key political, economic, security, environmental and welfare issues and issued a 10-point communiqué.
In the communiqué, the Congress commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his intervention and commitment in building a new structure for the union, aimed at making the Press Centre more conducive for journalists. It urged the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing to accelerate work on the project so it can be commissioned during the 50th anniversary of Ondo NUJ and the creation of the state early next year.
The Congress also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, for his financial support toward renovating the dilapidated main building at the Press Centre and his plan to mobilize support for the construction of a new Press Centre Chalet.
Similarly, Ondo NUJ applauded both the Youth Minister and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for effectively delivering on their national mandates, which it said has given Ondo State strong representation at the federal level.
The Union urged the 12 National Assembly members from Ondo State to remember the NUJ in their developmental initiatives, citing the media’s strategic role in societal growth.
On state-owned media, the Congress called on the Ondo State Government to fast-track the process of converting Owena Press (publishers of The Hope) into a corporation under the Ministry of Information to ensure full compliance with Public Service Rules, thereby promoting career progression for staff.
Delegates further appealed to the government to clear the four months’ outstanding minimum wage arrears owed since late 2024 and early 2025.
The Congress also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Director General of the OSRC/Orange FM Media Group, Mr. Kenneth Stevenson Odusola, for granting permanent employment to temporary staff, effectively ending casualisation within the establishment.
On security, the Union noted increasing threats across the country and urged South-West governors to continue strengthening the Amotekun Corps, describing it as a promising regional security initiative. It emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, encouraging residents to remain vigilant and collaborative in safeguarding their communities.
Finally, the Congress encouraged members to actively participate in the forthcoming 2025 Press Week, scheduled for 14–21 December 2025.
Communiqué Drafting Committee:
Fidelis David (Correspondents’ Chapel)
Adekola Afolabi (Owena Press Chapel)
E-Signed:
Olaoluwa Meshack
State Secretary
