Ondo NUJ Demands Action Over Harassment of Journalists, Akure Odour
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Ondo State Council, has called on the state government and relevant authorities to urgently address the alleged harassment of journalists, persistent foul odour in Akure and the shortage of vehicle number plates across the state.
The union made the demands in a seven-point communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, 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 members’ welfare.
On press freedom, the NUJ condemned what it described as the “unprovoked harassment” of some journalists during the flag-off ceremony of the second Akure flyover.
The union alleged that the journalists were harassed by hoodlums led by one Temitope Romeo, who purportedly presented themselves as staff of the construction company handling the project.
It urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Bulletine Construction Company to rein in Romeo and his associates, warning that the union would not tolerate any threat to the freedom and safety of journalists in the state.
The NUJ also congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa and residents of Akure on the flag-off of the second flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida–St. Mathias Road corridor.
While commending the initiative, the union urged the contractor to accelerate work and ensure that the project was completed within the scheduled timeframe.
The congress further appealed to the state Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport to remove what it described as unnecessary tricycle and motorcycle parks along Arakale Road, stressing that the route had become an important alternative for motorists during the construction of the flyover.
On environmental concerns, the union expressed worry over the persistent strange odour being experienced in Akure and its environs, particularly at night.
It called on the state government to intensify efforts to identify the source of the odour and implement lasting measures to address the problem.
The union also raised concerns over the reported non-availability of vehicle number plates in the state, urging officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to suspend sanctions against motorists whose vehicles lack number plates due to the shortage.
It equally appealed to the Ondo State Government to intervene and ensure the prompt availability of number plates to motorists.
Meanwhile, the congress passed a vote of confidence in the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, for what it described as his contributions to the journalism profession and efforts to provide a conducive working environment for newsrooms across the state.
As part of its resolutions, the congress also approved the inauguration of a seven-member planning committee for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of journalism in Ondo State, to be known as the “Ondo NUJ Golden Jubilee.”
The committee is chaired by Olusola Alatise, with Kahinde Adewumi, Omorinola Hungbeji, Ngozi Aduloju, Oluwatosin Igheteguano and Olaoluwa Meshack as members. Bisi Longe will serve as secretary, while Meshack will represent the union.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack.
