NUJ seeks faster completion for Ondo road projects, federal highway repairs
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has called on the Ondo State Government and the Federal Government to speed up ongoing road projects and urgently rehabilitate deteriorating federal highways, especially in the state’s northern senatorial district.
The union made the appeal in a communiqué issued after its monthly congress held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure. The congress, chaired by the State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, reviewed developments in the political, economic, environmental and media sectors.
The NUJ commended the Ondo State Government for ongoing road construction across the state. However, it urged contractors handling the Akungba-Ikare, Okitipupa-Igbokoda and Akure-Idanre road projects to accelerate work to ensure their timely completion.
The congress also praised the construction of the Oba Adesida Flyover in Akure. However, it appealed to the state government to make alternative routes, particularly Arakale Road, more motorable to reduce traffic congestion caused by road diversions.
In addition, the union applauded the Federal Government for the dualisation of the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road and the reconstruction of the Akure-Ado Ekiti and Akure-Ondo-Ore roads. It, however, expressed concern over the poor condition of federal roads serving communities in the Akoko area.
The journalists specifically urged federal lawmakers and political appointees from Ondo North to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Ikare-Ogbagi-Irun-Akoko-Ado Ekiti and Owo-Ipele-Isua Akoko-Kabba roads. They also called on the state and local governments to take proactive steps to prevent flooding across the state.
The congress further commended the NUJ leadership under Adegbite for its welfare programmes and the ongoing renovation of the Press Centre. It also praised the improved operations of the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation and appealed to the state government to ensure the television station is carried on cable networks.
The members also observed a minute’s silence in honour of veteran journalist and former Managing Director of The Hope newspaper, Sir Ademola Adetula. They described him as one of Ondo State’s finest media professionals and paid tribute to his contributions to journalism.
