Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 01/Nov 09:28

Ondo NUJ urges timely Implementation of new minimum wage

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, convened its monthly congress on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Alagbaka, Akure, where members discussed critical issues affecting the state. Presided over by Chairman Prince Leke Adegbite, the congress addressed topics ranging from political and economic concerns to the welfare of journalists and preparations for the upcoming gubernatorial election.In its resolutions, the congress called on the Ondo State Government to expedite negotiations with organized labor to implement the promised N73,000 minimum wage for workers, highlighting the need for palliative measures to alleviate economic hardships. The assembly also urged the state’s Minimum Wage Technical Committee to ensure a fair salary scale for the staff of Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope, while appealing for increased allocations to the media outlet to support its new Managing Director, Kayode Fasua, in implementing necessary innovations.Members commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the prompt payment of the 2024 leave bonus to state workers and for timely promotions, which benefited several NUJ members. Additionally, the congress praised the administration for maintaining the free school shuttle bus program for students but urged the government to swiftly complete the recruitment process for teachers in public primary and secondary schools to address the critical shortage impacting education.With the November 16 governorship election on the horizon, the congress emphasized the importance of peaceful and issue-based campaigns, encouraging candidates and their supporters to engage constructively. It warned voters against vote trading, stressing that such actions could jeopardize the future of the state.The congress expressed satisfaction with the preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, calling for a level playing field to ensure credible elections. Furthermore, it advised INEC to collaborate with the NUJ in accrediting journalists for the election to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the recent support from the Ondo State Ministry of Infrastructure for improvements to the Press Centre road and Sports Arena, which enhances accessibility to the NUJ facilities.The communiqué was drafted by Oluwatosin Ighoteguano, Precious Oluwole, and Babatunde Ayedoju, with the event highlighting the commitment of the NUJ to advocate for both the welfare of its members and the integrity of the electoral process in Ondo State.