An official communique issued at the monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, held on Thursday, 24th September 2026, at the Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka, Akure, has addressed critical state, economic, and political issues affecting journalists and residents across the state. The meeting, presided over by the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, was well attended by union members from various chapels to deliberate on matters spanning security, agriculture, economic hardship, media practice, and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
A major highlight of the meeting was the official approval and launching of the Ondo NUJ @50 Anniversary Logo, signaling the commencement of activities towards the landmark anniversary and the 2026 Press Week. The Congress approved Sunday, 22nd November to Sunday, 29th November 2026 for the weeklong celebration of both milestone events.
Addressing the media environment in the state, the Congress issued a stern warning against the harassment, intimidation, or victimization of journalists under any guise as political activities for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. The Union vowed to protect its members against excesses from overzealous politicians or political appointees. Specifically, the Congress cautioned the Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast to the Ondo State Governor, Kemi Adeniyi, to exercise restraint and desist from overzealous actions when handling and relating with professional journalists and cameramen at official assignments.
To safeguard professional standard, the Congress reiterated its stance against media quackery, confirming that its Taskforce Against Fake Journalists remains active and will continue to collaborate with security agencies to rid the state of impersonators. Security agencies were also urged to provide robust security cover for journalists before, during, and after the upcoming general elections. Simultaneously, political actors were charged to play by the rules and refrain from making inciting comments capable of heating up the polity.
On national and state economic realities, the Ondo NUJ fully endorsed the stance of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), calling on the government to implement urgent relief measures, including reducing the fuel price to N500 per litre and upgrading the minimum wage to reflect prevailing economic conditions. To ease local transit burdens, the Union urged the Ondo State Government to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transportation in Akure and other major urban centers, while commending the government for maintaining the free School Shuttle Scheme for students.
Finally, the Congress expressed concern over the rising trend of commercial shops encroaching on public school premises. The Union called on the state government to immediately halt the indiscriminate setup of shops along perimeter fences and within school gates, with a specific demand for a total ban on the sale of alcohol and other illicit substances near school grounds.
The communique was formally signed by the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, following its drafting by a committee comprising Dr. Hakeem Adebumiti of the Digital Media Chapel, Bayo Adediran of the Federated Chapel, and Ebunoluwa Akinroyeje representing the OSRC/Orange FM Chapel.
