The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Ondo State has called on both the State, and Federal Governments to as a matter of necessity, redress the manpower shortage across public owned media organizations in the state.
Particularly, the union is disturbed at the inadequate manpower level at the state owned The Hope newspaper and OSRC/Orange FM broadcasting stations; and the federally owned FRCN, and NTA stations.
The union stressed the urgency of adequate staffing of the media houses, which it described as effective channels of promoting government’s activities and for effective public service delivery.
NUJ made the call at its July state Congress in Akure, where it also expressed deep concern over the deplorable condition of the roof and ceiling of the Ondo NUJ Press Centre main Building damaged by rainstorm
The union called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently assist in renovating the affected structure.
Also, the Congress, presided over by the union’s State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, and well attended by members across all chapels, deliberated on a wide range of issues, ranging from politics, to the economy, security, agriculture, environment, state of the union, to welfare of members.
The union, in a communique signed by David Fidelis of the Correspondents’ Chapel; Ebunoluwa Akinroyeje, OSRC/Orange FM; and Kayode Animasaun, FRCN Positive FM; and countersigned by its State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack,
resolved also as follows;
“That It also called on both the Federal and the Ondo State Governments to as a matter of necessity address the shortage of manpower across public owned media organizations in the state namely; FRCN, NTA, OSRC/Orange FM and The Hope newspaper, describing them as effective channels of promoting government’s activities and for effective public service delivery.
“That the Congress expresses deep concern over the deplorable condition of the roof and ceiling of the Ondo NUJ Press Centre main Building damaged by rainstorm, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urgently assist in renovating the affected structure.
“That the Congress while lauding Governor Aiyedatiwa for appointing a professional journalist, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku as the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, enjoined him to implement critical policies that will enhance strategic journalism practice in the state.
“That the Congress frowned at the casualization of staff, especially by private media organizations in the state, saying it is against the International Labour Laws, and called on media owners to discourage such practice.
“The congress applauded members of the pen profession in the state for their ethical reportage but enjoined them to be wary of fake news by always cross-checking the facts before going to the press, especially in these area of artificial intelligence.
“The Congress congratulated the reelected Executives of the Ondo State chapter of NAWOJ, charging them to continue to protect the interest of women and girl child in the state.”
