Ondo NUJ Raises Alarm Over Journalist Harassment, Akure Odour, Number Plate Shortage
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has called for urgent action over the alleged harassment of journalists, persistent foul odour in Akure and the shortage of vehicle number plates across the state.
The union made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka, Akure.
The congress, presided over by the council chairman, Leke Adegbite, was attended by members from various chapels across the state and deliberated on issues bordering on security, infrastructure, environment, politics, economy, agriculture and the welfare of journalists.
On press freedom, the union condemned the alleged unprovoked harassment of some journalists by hoodlums during the flag-off ceremony of the second Akure flyover.
According to the NUJ, the hoodlums, allegedly led by one Temitope Romeo, were parading themselves as staff of the construction company handling the project.
The union called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Bulletin Construction Company to rein in Romeo and his associates, stressing that threats to journalists and press freedom would not be tolerated.
The NUJ also congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa and residents of Akure on the flag-off of the second flyover project along the Oyemekun-Oba Adesida-St. Mathias Road.
It, however, urged the contractor to accelerate work on the project and ensure its completion within the scheduled timeframe.
The union further appealed to the Ondo State Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport to remove what it described as unnecessary tricycle and motorcycle parks along Arakale Road.
It noted that the road serves as an important alternative route for motorists during the construction of the flyover and should therefore remain free of avoidable obstructions.
The congress also expressed concern over the persistent strange odour reported in Akure and its environs, particularly at night.
It urged the state government to intensify efforts to identify the source of the odour and implement permanent measures to address the problem.
On transportation and road safety, the union raised concern over the reported non-availability of vehicle number plates in the state.
It called on officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to suspend sanctions against motorists who are unable to obtain number plates due to the shortage.
The union equally urged the state government to intervene and ensure that number plates are made readily available to vehicle owners.
Meanwhile, the congress passed a vote of confidence in Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, for what it described as his contributions to the journalism profession and efforts to provide a conducive working environment for newsrooms across the state.
The congress also approved the inauguration of a seven-member committee to plan activities for the 50th anniversary of journalism in Ondo State, tagged “Ondo NUJ Golden Jubilee.”
The committee is chaired by Olusola Alatise, with Kahinde Adewumi, Omorinola Hungbeji, Ngozi Aduloju, Oluwatosin Igheteguano, Olaoluwa Meshack, who represents the union, and Bisi Longe, who will serve as secretary.
