Ekiti journalists lament poor welfare, seek audience with Oyebanji

The Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has expressed concern over the welfare of journalists in the state and appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to grant the leadership of the union an audience to address the challenges.

The appeal was part of the resolutions reached at the January 2026 congress of the NUJ, held at the Dr Tai Oguntayo Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital

In a communiqué signed by Secretary of the council, Mr O’Seun Ogunsakin at the end of the congress presided over by the Council chairman, Kayode Babatuyi, the union lamented “poor welfare conditions of journalists, particularly issues relating to remuneration, working environment and access to basic entitlements.”

The congress noted that ,”an engagement with Governor Oyebanji had become necessary to guarantee a harmonious working relationship between the state government and media practitioners, while also improving professionalism in the sector.”

The NUJ also expressed concern over the recent cases of fire outbreaks across Ekiti State, urging residents to be vigilant and observe safety precaution,especially in the use of electrical appliances and flammable materials.

The Union called on relevant government agencies and emergency response service to intensify public enlightenment and strengthen rapid response mechanisms to minimise losses from such incidents.

On the forthcoming governorship poll in the state, the NUJ appealed to political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and strictly in line with the existing legal framework and electoral guidelines.

The Union further advised the electorate to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and shun vote-buying before or during elections.

It also urged journalists “to remain security-conscious and professional in the discharge of their duties, particularly during election coverage, while adhering to the ethics of journalism, including verification of information and avoidance of sensationalism.”