The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has strongly appealed to the Ondo State Government to increase the subvention to Owena Press Limited, publisher of The Hope Newspaper, to address growing operational challenges and improve staff welfare.

This call was made at the union’s monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, which was presided over by NUJ Chairman Prince Leke Adegbite and attended by members from all union chapels.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the NUJ emphasized the need for the Ondo State Minimum Wage Technical Committee, led by the Head of Service, to prioritize the welfare of Owena Press employees.

The union called for a revised salary structure for the newspaper’s staff that reflects the current economic realities, as well as an increase in the monthly allocation to the media house. This additional funding, they believe, would enable the new Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Fasua, implement necessary improvements and ensure the long-term sustainability of The Hope Newspaper.

The congress also urged the state government to fast-track the implementation of the new N73,000 minimum wage promised by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for all state workers. This measure, along with additional palliative initiatives such as subsidized food items, would help ease the financial strain on public sector employees during challenging economic times.

“The current financial support from the state is insufficient to meet the operational demands of The Hope Newspaper and provide adequate compensation for its workforce,” the communique stated. The union’s appeal highlights the critical role of an independent and well-supported press in a democratic society and the need for better pay to enhance morale and productivity among journalists and other staff.

In addition to these economic concerns, the NUJ commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the timely payment of the 2024 leave bonus and recent employee promotions, including those for NUJ members. They also urged prompt recruitment of teachers to address shortages in public primary and secondary schools, which have impacted education quality.

As the November 16, 2024, governorship election approaches, the union called on candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns and for voters to resist vote trading. The NUJ also encouraged collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election process.

The NUJ’s wide-ranging appeal underscores the pressing need for enhanced financial support and fair compensation for media practitioners, as well as a swift implementation of the new minimum wage for the broader workforce to safeguard the welfare of public servants across Ondo State.