Ondo NUJ raises alarm over journalists’ harassment, strange odour in Akure
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has raised the alarm over the alleged harassment of journalists covering the flag-off of the second Akure flyover project, warning that any attempt to intimidate media practitioners would not be tolerated.
The union also expressed concern over the persistent strange odour being experienced in Akure, particularly at night, and called on the Ondo State Government to urgently investigate its source and find a permanent solution.
These were part of the resolutions contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the monthly congress of the NUJ Ondo State Council, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka, Akure.
The congress, presided over by the Council Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, was attended by members from various chapels across the state and deliberated on issues bordering on security, infrastructure, environment, politics, the economy, agriculture and the welfare of journalists.
On the alleged harassment of journalists during the flyover flag-off, the union condemned what it described as the “unprovoked harassment” of some journalists by hoodlums allegedly led by one Temitope Romeo.
According to the communiqué, the individuals reportedly presented themselves as staff of the construction company handling the project.
The NUJ called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the construction company, Bulletine Construction Company, to rein in Romeo and his associates, stressing that the union would resist any action capable of undermining press freedom.
The union said journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
The congress, however, congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa and residents of Akure on the successful flag-off of the second Akure flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida–St Mathias Road.
It urged the contractor handling the project to increase the pace of work and ensure that the project was completed within the scheduled time to reduce the hardship being experienced by residents and motorists.
The union also appealed to the Ondo State Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport to remove what it described as unnecessary tricycle and motorcycle parks along Arakale Road.
It noted that Arakale Road serves as a major alternative route for motorists during the construction of the flyover and should therefore be kept free from avoidable obstructions.
On the environmental situation in Akure, the NUJ expressed concern over the continuous strange odour in the state capital and its environs, particularly during the night.
The congress urged the state government to intensify efforts to identify the source of the foul smell and take proactive measures to address the situation permanently.
The union further raised concern over the reported non-availability of vehicle number plates in the state, calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to stop sanctioning motorists whose vehicles lack number plates because of the unavailability of the plates.
It also called on the state government to intervene and ensure that vehicle number plates were made readily available to motorists in Ondo State.
Meanwhile, the congress passed a vote of confidence in the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, for his contributions to the journalism profession and what it described as his efforts towards providing a conducive working environment for newsrooms in various media organisations in the state.
The congress also approved the inauguration of a seven-member committee to plan and coordinate activities marking the 50th anniversary of journalism in Ondo State, tagged “Ondo NUJ Golden Jubilee.”
The committee is chaired by Olusola Alatise, while Kehinde Adewumi, Omorinola Hungbeji, Ngozi Aduloju and Oluwatosin Igheteguano are members.
Olaoluwa Meshack will represent the union on the committee, while Bisi Longe will serve as secretary.
The communiqué was signed electronically by the State Secretary of the NUJ, Olaoluwa Meshack.
