Backs N500 Petrol, Demands CNG Transport.

The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has backed calls for measures to reduce the price of petrol to N500 per litre, saying this would help cushion the impact of economic hardship on Nigerians.

The union also calls for an increase in the minimum wage to reflect prevailing economic realities and urged the Ondo State Government to introduce compressed natural gas-powered mass transportation in Akure and other major towns to reduce transportation costs.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council’s monthly congress held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Pen Crescent, Alagbaka, Akure.

The congress was presided over by the Ondo State NUJ Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, and attended by members from the various chapels across the state.

The union said its position aligned with calls by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Joint Negotiating Council for governments to adopt measures that would reduce petrol prices to N500 per litre and increase the minimum wage in line with current economic conditions.

The council also urged the state government to introduce CNG mass transportation for residents of Akure and other major towns, while commending the government for sustaining its free school shuttle scheme.

The congress approved and unveiled the Ondo NUJ @50 Anniversary Logo, marking the commencement of preparations for the council’s 50th anniversary and the 2026 Press Week celebrations.

It approved Sunday, November 22 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, for the weeklong activities. 

The congress warns against the harassment and intimidation of journalists in the state, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.

It pledges to defend its members against excesses by politicians and political appointees, while calling on security agencies to protect journalists before, during and after the elections.

The union also urges politicians to play by the rules and avoid inflammatory statements capable of heating up the political environment.

Specifically, the congress cautions the Ondo State Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast, Kemi Adeniyi, to exercise restraint and avoid what it described as overzealous conduct in dealings with professional journalists and cameramen during the governor’s public engagements.

The union further warns against quackery in the media industry, reaffirming that its Taskforce Against Fake Journalists remained active and would work with security agencies to curb the menace.

The congress also expresses concern over the indiscriminate location of shops along the perimeter fences and within the premises of public schools.

It called on the Ondo State Government to check the practice and ban the sale of alcoholic and other related substances within the vicinity of public schools.

The communiqué was signed by the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, on behalf of the council.

The communiqué drafting committee comprised Hakeem Adebunmiti (PhD) of the Digital Media Chapel, Bayo Adediran of the Federated Chapel, and Ebunoluwa Akinroyeje of the OSRC/Orange FM Chapel.