The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for key interventions in the state’s media and security sectors, while raising concerns over insecurity and rising living costs.
The resolutions formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s Congress held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure. The Congress, which began at 4:30 p.m., was presided over by the State Chairman, Leke Adegbite.
The Congress deliberated on political, economic, environmental, security and media-related matters affecting the state.
On media reforms, the Union applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the conversion of Owena Press Limited from a private liability company to a corporation under the State Ministry of Information. The NUJ said the decision would automatically mainstream staff of the organisation into the state civil service.
While congratulating the workers, the Congress urged the Ondo State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the execution bill, which has already scaled second reading.
The Union also commended the state government for recruiting new staff into the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC). However, it called for the regularisation of contract staff whose appointments were not confirmed during the last recruitment exercise.
On security, the Congress expressed deep concern over the rising cases of commercialised kidnapping, especially along the Akure North to Uso-Owo axis. It urged both the state and federal governments to intensify efforts to curb the menace and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
The NUJ also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for recruiting additional officers into the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps. It encouraged the government to sustain efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
Addressing economic challenges, the Congress decried the frequent hike in transportation fares across the state, despite relatively stable petroleum prices. It called on the Ondo State Government, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to regulate the activities of commercial drivers and prevent undue hardship on commuters.
The Union further frowned at the arbitrary increase in building material prices and house rents, particularly in Akure. It urged the state government to regulate the activities of house agents and building material dealers to ease the burden on residents.
On inter-state relations, the Congress appealed to the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission to urgently intervene in the boundary dispute over the oil-rich Eba Island between Ondo and Ogun states. It warned that failure to act swiftly could escalate tensions and lead to violence. The Union advised both states to exercise restraint and resolve the matter legally and amicably.
The Congress also condemned the violence that marred a recent political congress in the state. It urged politicians to act responsibly as the 2027 general elections approached. The NUJ called on security agencies to investigate the crisis and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The communiqué was drafted by a committee comprising Damilola Isaiah (Correspondents’ Chapel), Adebiyi Jimisayo (Federated Chapel), and Joy Pius (OSRC/Orange FM Chapel).
It was e-signed by the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack.(Newsvault)
