SOUTH WEST NUJ ZONAL MEETING:   DEMAND BETTER WELFARE, CONDEMN CYBERCRIME ABUSE, HAIL LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT STRIDES

SOUTH WEST NUJ ZONAL MEETING:   DEMAND BETTER WELFARE, CONDEMN CYBERCRIME ABUSE, HAIL LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT STRIDES
— Communiqué Issued at the End of NUJ Zone B Meeting in Ado-Ekiti

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, which comprises the six states of the South West, has issued a strong call for improved welfare for media professionals and protection of press freedom, as the zone concluded its crucial zonal meeting held on Wednesday, 24th September 2025, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

The meeting was presided over by the Vice President of NUJ Zone B, Comrade Ronke Samo, and was attended by the chairmen and secretaries of all the state councils in the zone.

After an extensive deliberation on issues affecting the Union and the nation at large, the following resolutions were reached:

Key Resolutions:

1. Partnership with State Governments:
   The zone appealed to the governors of the South West to partner more closely with journalists, to ensure wide publicity for government programmes and policies, and to foster better understanding between the government and the governed.
2. Media Welfare and Public Media Infrastructure:
   Recognising the media as the fourth estate of the realm, the zone urged South West state governments to prioritise the welfare of journalists, particularly through the upgrading of facilities in government-owned media houses.
3. Condemnation of Cybercrime Act Misuse:
   The Union condemned the increasing misuse of the Cybercrime Act to arrest and detain journalists across the country, warning that such actions amount to gagging the press. It reaffirmed the media’s role as the voice of the people and cautioned against any attempts to stifle press freedom.
4. Commendation for NUJ National President:
   The zone applauded the leadership of NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, describing his tenure as one marked by professionalism, discipline, and focus. Members agreed that his style of leadership has justified the confidence reposed in him.
5. Vote of Confidence in Ekiti NUJ Leadership:
   The meeting passed a vote of confidence in the Kayode Babatuyi-led State Working Committee of the Ekiti State Council, commending the unprecedented infrastructural development recorded under his leadership. Members urged unity and support to further elevate the Council.
6. Praise for Governor Biodun Oyebanji:
   The Union commended the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the infrastructural strides made under his administration. A tour of selected projects in the state, conducted during the meeting, gave union leaders firsthand experience of the transformation happening across the state. They described the governor as focused, people-centered, and result-driven.
7. (Note: No number 7 in original – assumed numbering correction)
8. Call for Federal Road Rehabilitation:
   The Union renewed its appeal to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the poor state of federal roads across the South West. Specifically mentioned were the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure-Ilesa Road, Akure-Ilesa-Ibadan Road, Ibadan-Abeokuta Road, and the Ado Ekiti–Ikare Akoko Road, which have become dangerous for motorists.
9. Communiqué Drafting Committee:

1. Seye Ojo (National Trustee)
2. Meshack Olaoluwa (Secretary, Ondo Council)
3. O’Seun Ogunsakin (Secretary, Ekiti Council)

E-Signed:
Abdulrazak Alege
Zonal Secretary, NUJ Zone B