The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Ondo State has called on security agencies to protect journalists from probable attacks by thugs, politicians, and political appointees before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Also, it backed the call by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), that the Federal Government should reduce fuel price to N500/per litre to cushion effects of the prevailing economic hardship facing the masses, and increase the minimum wage to reflect the current economic reality.
It made the call at its monthly Congress on Thursday at the Press Centre in Akure the state capital.
A communique signed by the union’s state secretary, Meshack Olaoluwa, said: “the Congress warned against harassment or intimidation of Journalists in the state under whatever guise as campaign towards the 2027 general elections kicked off, and vowed to defend NUJ members against excesses from overzealous politicians or political appointees.”
It said the ”NUJ unanimously called on security agents in the state to protect journalists against attack by hoodlums and ensure their safety before, during and after the general elections, while also calling on politicians to play the game according to the rules by avoiding inciting statements or utterances capable of heating up the polity.”
The union particularly “cautioned the Ondo State Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast, Kemi Adeniyi, to “exercise restraint” and shun act of being overzealous in handling and relating with professional journalists and cameramen at the Governor’s public assignments.”
It asked “the Ondo State Government to introduce CNG Mass Transportation for residents of Akure and other major towns in the state as a way of reducing the cost of transportation; just as the Union commends the State Government for sustaining the free School Shuttle Scheme.”
Also, “the Congress warned against quackery in the media industry, insisting that the *TASKFORCE AGAINST FAKE JOURNALISTS* in the state is still intact to work with Security agencies to curb the menace.”
According to the communique, “As part of the highlights, the Congress approved and launched *ONDO NUJ @50 ANNIVERSARY LOGO* to signal the commencement of preparations towards *eventful anniversary and the 2026 Press Week Celebrations.*
“The Congress also approved Sunday 22nd to Sunday 29th of November 2026 for the celebrations of the weeklong events.”
Also, “he Congress noted with concern the indiscriminate location of shops along perimeter fences and within the gates of public schools, and called on the Ondo state government to check the excesses and ban the sales of alcoholic and other related substances within the vicinity of public schools.”
It “noted with concern the indiscriminate location of shops along perimeter fences and within the gates of public schools, and called on the Ondo state government to check the excesses and ban the sales of alcoholic and other related substances within the vicinity of public schools.”
The Congress, presided over by the union’s state chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, was reportedly well attended by members across all chapels.
