Journalists in Ekiti State have raised a strong alarm over what they described as deplorable and unacceptable welfare conditions, calling on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to urgently grant the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) an audience to address the lingering challenges threatening the survival and professionalism of the media in the state.
The demand formed the core of resolutions reached at the January 2026 Congress of the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ, held at the Dr. Tai Oguntayo Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Ado-Ekiti.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress and signed by the Council Secretary, Mr O’Seun Ogunsakin, the union lamented that journalists in Ekiti are operating under harsh and demoralising conditions, characterised by poor remuneration, and denial of basic entitlements necessary for effective and ethical journalism.
Presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, the congress warned that the continued neglect of journalists’ welfare poses a serious threat to press freedom, quality reportage, and democratic accountability in the state.
The union stressed that an urgent engagement with Governor Oyebanji had become inevitable, not only to arrest the worsening welfare situation but also to foster a mutually respectful and harmonious working relationship between the state government and media professionals.
“The media cannot effectively play its watchdog role when journalists are subjected to economic hardship and institutional neglect,” the communiqué stated, adding that the current situation requires immediate and decisive intervention by the state government.
The NUJ also expressed grave concern over the spate of fire outbreaks recorded across the state in recent times, calling on residents to exercise heightened caution, particularly in the handling of electrical appliances and flammable materials.
It urged relevant government agencies and emergency response services to step up public sensitisation efforts and significantly strengthen their rapid response capacity to prevent avoidable losses.
Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, the union cautioned political parties and candidates against actions capable of overheating the polity, insisting that campaigns must be conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with electoral laws and guidelines.
The NUJ further advised eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and firmly reject vote-buying and other inducements that undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Journalists in the state were also charged to remain security-conscious and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, especially during election coverage, by verifying information, avoiding sensationalism, and adhering strictly to the ethics of the profession.
The congress concluded by warning that the welfare of journalists can no longer be treated with indifference, urging the Ekiti State Government to respond promptly and constructively to the union’s call.