Ondo NUJ Seeks Govt Support for Journalists’ Welfare, Media Revamp at 2025 Press Week
By Olusegun HOSEA
December 16, 2025
Journalists in Ondo State have renewed calls on government at both state and federal levels to urgently address welfare challenges in the media industry, upgrade public media infrastructure, and support journalists with alternative income opportunities, as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, officially opened its 2025 Press Week.
Speaking at the opening ceremony and symposium themed “Innovative Pathways for Journalists Amidst Economic and Political Challenges,” the NUJ, under the leadership of Prince Leke Adegbite highlighted the economic pressures facing media professionals and outlined far-reaching demands aimed at sustaining the profession and strengthening democracy.
The union disclosed that it has encouraged members to venture into farming as a means of economic empowerment, appreciating the Nigerian Army for providing farmland within the Akure Barracks. It appealed to the Ondo State Government to support journalists interested in agriculture with highly subsidised farm inputs, particularly tractors and fertiliser, while urging journalists to embrace farming as a viable and harmless income source.
The NUJ also announced plans to intensify capacity building in the digital space, revealing that from the beginning of the coming year, the union, in collaboration with relevant organisations, would train members on leveraging digital media platforms for personal income generation.
Addressing media challenges, the union raised concerns over acute manpower shortages at the Ondo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, attributing the situation to retirements and the “japa” syndrome. It called for the urgent recruitment of Information and Press Officers, cameramen, photojournalists, and Public Address Equipment (PAE) technical officers to serve key government offices, including those of the Governor and Deputy Governor. The NUJ also demanded provision of modern working tools, especially cameras, and a comprehensive facelift of the ministry’s newsroom and studios.
Emphasising the role of the media in democracy, the union appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve special bailout funds for federal media organisations such as the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), many of which, it said, operate with obsolete equipment and poor facilities. Specifically mentioned for urgent intervention were NTA stations in Akure, Ikare, and Okitipupa, as well as Radio Nigeria Positive 102.5 FM, Akure.
On appointments, the NUJ reminded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of his March 2024 promise to appoint qualified journalists as Permanent Secretaries from among senior directors in the Ministry of Information and Orientation. The union stressed that the ministry is a professional one and deserves leadership rooted in fairness, competence, and experience, adding that adequate funding of the ministry would strengthen government–citizen relations.
The union further urged private media owners to prioritise regular payment of salaries and shun casualisation of workers in line with labour laws. It also joined calls for improved welfare packages for media workers, noting that a dedicated Media Salary Structure is achievable with collective commitment from stakeholders.
On infrastructure, the NUJ recounted efforts to upgrade facilities at the Press Centre, noting that conditions had deteriorated before the current executive assumed office. It expressed profound gratitude to the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, for undertaking the total renovation of the Press Centre’s main building, describing the intervention as unprecedented since 1999. Appreciation was also extended to the Bobaselu of Odigbo, Chief Akindele Omole, for donating a snooker board to enhance recreational activities.
The union appealed to the Governor to approve a total facelift of other structures within the Press Centre, including the sports arena under construction, the guest house, and the canteen/bar, while urging the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing to fast-track approvals for a newly proposed structure.
On media restructuring, the NUJ demanded the urgent passage of an enabling law to convert Owena Press Plc, publisher of The Hope newspaper, into a government corporation similar to the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC). It argued that such restructuring would guarantee stability and career fulfilment for workers. The union commended the state government for supporting OSRC and praised the Director-General, Mr. Kenneth Stevenson Odusola, for his workers-friendly administration.
The NUJ also appealed to the state government to donate a utility vehicle to aid the union’s operations, particularly those of the chairman’s office.
In closing, the union appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support towards the 2025 Press Week, alongside acknowledgements to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN; and the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku. Special commendation was given to the Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, for his consistent support to journalists and welfare initiatives for widows of deceased members.
The NUJ concluded by thanking government officials, partners, and journalists who contributed to the success of the ongoing Press Week celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism and democratic development in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
