The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, on Thursday, 26th February 2026, concluded its congress at the Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure. The event was presided over by State Chairman Leke Adegbite and brought together journalists from across the state.

The Congress deliberated on politics, economy, security, and the welfare of media practitioners. After detailed discussions, the union issued a communique highlighting resolutions to improve governance, protect lives, and support media workers in Ondo State.

The union commended Governor Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for converting Owena Press Limited into a state-owned corporation under the Ministry of Information. 

NUJ noted that the move would integrate staff into the State Civil Service and called for speedy passage of the Executive Bill, already at its second reading in the House of Assembly.

NUJ also praised the state government for recruiting new staff at the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC). It urged that contract staff, whose appointments were not regularized previously, be absorbed alongside their colleagues to boost morale.

Security concerns dominated discussions. The union expressed alarm over rising cases of commercialized kidnapping in Akure North and the Uso-Owo axis of Owo. It called on state and federal authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend perpetrators and ensure justice for victims.

The Congress commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for recruiting additional officers into the Ondo State Security Network Organization, Amotekun Corps. NUJ urged that security efforts be sustained to protect lives and property.

On the economy, the union decried frequent hikes in transport fares despite stable petroleum prices. It called on the government, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) to regulate commercial drivers and ease commuter hardship.

NUJ also criticized arbitrary increases in building materials and house rents, particularly in Akure. It urged the government to regulate house agents and building materials dealers to reduce financial pressure on residents.

The Congress appealed to the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission to intervene in the oil-rich Eba Island boundary dispute between Ondo and Ogun States. It urged both states to exercise restraint and resolve the dispute legally to avoid escalation.

Finally, NUJ condemned the crisis that erupted during a recent political congress in the state. It called on politicians to exercise restraint ahead of the 2027 elections and urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders. 

The communique was drafted by Damilola Isaiah, Adebiyi Jimisayo, and Joy Pius, and e-signed by State Secretary Olaoluwa Meshack.