NUJ Urges Faster Completion of Key Road Projects, Seeks Better Flood Control in Ondo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has called on both the Ondo State Government and the Federal Government to accelerate the completion and rehabilitation of critical road projects across the state, while urging authorities to adopt proactive measures against flooding.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s monthly congress held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka, Akure, under the chairmanship of the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite.
The Congress commended the Ondo State Government for ongoing road construction projects but expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Akungba-Ikare Akoko, Okitipupa-Igbokoda and Akure-Idanre roads. It urged contractors handling the projects to expedite work to ensure their timely completion.
Members also described the ongoing construction of the flyover on Oba Adesida Road in Akure as a laudable initiative but appealed to the state government to make alternative routes, particularly Arakale Road, more motorable to ease traffic congestion caused by the diversion.
On federal infrastructure, the Congress applauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the dualisation of the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road, the reconstruction of the Akure-Ado Ekiti Road and the Akure-Ondo-Ore Road. However, it lamented the deteriorating condition of federal roads serving Ondo North, especially in the Akoko axis, and called on federal lawmakers and political appointees from the area to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun-Akoko-Ado Ekiti and Owo-Ipele-Isua Akoko-Kabba roads.
The journalists also raised concerns over recurring flooding in parts of the state, urging both the state and local governments to adopt preventive measures rather than responding only after disasters occur.
On internal union affairs, the Congress expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Ondo NUJ leadership under Prince Leke Adegbite, commending its efforts in protecting members’ welfare and the ongoing beautification of the Press Centre.
The Congress also praised the leadership for its consistent support to the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in organising programmes, including children’s events and sporting competitions.
It further commended the improvements recorded at the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) Media Group and appealed to the state government to ensure the television station is placed on cable networks to enhance service delivery and improve career prospects for its workforce.
The Congress observed a minute’s silence in honour of veteran journalist, Sir Ademola Adetula, a former NUJ State Officer and immediate past Managing Director of The Hope newspaper, who recently passed away. Members described him as one of the finest journalists produced by the state and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul as well as strength for his family.
