By: Dayo Johnson Akure
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on the six governors in the South West to prioritise safety of lives and property in view of the security challenges confronting the region.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of its B Zonal meeting held in Ibadan Oyo State capital.
The communique was signed by Temidayo Adu, Secretary, Oyo Council; Olaoluwa Meshack, Secretary, Ondo Council; Bunmi Adigun, Secretary, Ogun Council; Leke Adegbite, Chairman, Ondo Council; and Abdulrazak Alege, Zonal Secretary.
NUJ also asked the governors to urgently introduce meaningful palliative measures like a cheap transportation system, to cushion the adverse effects of the rising pump price on the masses.
The union said, “In light of the rising wave of insecurity, the Zonal Leadership calls on the Governors of the South-West states to prioritize the safety of lives and property.
“This should be achieved through enhanced funding and the provision of adequate logistical support for all security agencies especially Amotekun Corps, to effectively curb criminal activities within the region."
On economic intervention and palliatives, the union said, “The NUJ Zone B notes with concern the economic hardship occasioned by the recent increase in fuel prices amidst middle East unrest.
“The meeting urges State Governments within the Southwest to urgently introduce robust palliative measures such as a cheap transportation system, to cushion the adverse effects of the rising pump price on the masses.”
On energy, the union, said “Following the deregulation of the electricity sector, the Zone encourages South-West Governors to take full advantage of the new legal framework.
"The meeting advises the state governments to invest aggressively in independent power generation and distribution to improve energy stability and stimulate economic growth within their states."
Besides, the union asked the governors to invest aggressively in independent power generation and distribution to improve energy stability and stimulate economic growth within their states.
On infrastructure in the region,” the Zone Applaud the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing massive Road infrastructure projects being executed nationwide particularly Ibadan-Ilesa road, Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Ore road, Akure-Ado Ekiti, Ore-Ondo-Akure road as well as dualisation of Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin city road.
However, the Zone draws urgent attention to the deteriorating state of several critical road corridors in the Southwest and demand reconstruction of Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, Owo–Ipele-Idoani-Isua Akoko-Kabba Road; Ibadan–Iwo–Osogbo Road and Ado Ekiti-Ikare-Ikaram Akoko road, to facilitate safe and seamless movement for citizens.
The Zone expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s Minister of Youths Development, Comrade Ayodele Wisdom Olawande for his unprecedented support in carrying out total renovation on major buildings at the Ondo State Council Press Centre in Akure.
The union asked other Ministers and federal appointees from the Zone to emulate such progressive gestures and support the Media in their respective states.(Vanguard)
