The Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for improved welfare, housing and working conditions for journalists in the state, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, pledging N50 million towards the union’s permanent site.
Adeola made the pledge during a visit to the NUJ at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, where he also promised to provide a new bus for the council.
The NUJ Chairman in Ogun State, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, while presenting the council’s achievements over the past three years, said more interventions were needed to improve the living and working conditions of journalists.
He specifically appealed for the establishment of a journalists’ estate to provide affordable accommodation for media practitioners across the state.
Olarenwaju also called for greater support for the development of the NUJ’s permanent site, saying a befitting secretariat and professional facilities would strengthen the union’s capacity to serve its members.
Responding to the requests, Adeola said the N50 million would serve as an initial contribution towards the development of the NUJ’s permanent site.
He also pledged to provide a new bus to support the council’s activities and mobility.
Adeola further promised to prioritise journalists’ welfare, safety and professional development if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.
He said his administration would maintain regular engagement with the media and comply with the Freedom of Information Act, while also promising to support the transformation of Ogun State Television (OGTV) and Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) into competitive public media organisations.
The APC candidate also unveiled a nine-point development agenda covering infrastructure, employment, agriculture, healthcare, education, industrialisation, security, tourism and institutional reforms.
Among his proposals are a state bus mass transit programme on major routes, commuter rail connections, digital skills training for 100,000 young people by 2031, and the establishment of a Youth Enterprise Hub in Abeokuta.
Adeola said journalists should hold him accountable for the promises contained in his manifesto if he wins the election.
During the visit, the NUJ Ogun State Council also decorated him as its Golden Jubilee Ambassador as part of activities marking the council’s 50th anniversary.
