The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has charged the state government to adopt more proactive measures to stem the rising wave of insecurity in the state.
The Oyo NUJ, led by Comrade Akeem Abas, gave the charge in a communique issued at the end of its monthly congress, held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Saturday.
The state Council however congratulated the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led state government on the successful hosting of the 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of Oyo State.
It also commended the present administration in the state for the developmental strides recorded across key sectors of the economy in the Pacesetter State.
While acknowledging the notable achievements, the Oyo NUJ expressed concern over insecurity and called for heightened level of security consciousness in the state.
The Congress urged the state government to adopt more proactive strategies aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture and ensuring the protection of lives and property.
The Oyo NUJ particularly lamented the rising incidents of cultism, hooliganism, incessant fights and the brandishing of dangerous weapons among students in secondary schools across the state, particularly in Ibadan, the state capital.
It therefore urged relevant authorities, including parents, to take decisive measures, including sanctions against schools that failed to enforce discipline.
It stressed that parents must not abdicate their responsibilities in the upbringing of their children, urging them to play more active roles in instilling proper values and discipline in order to curb the growing social vices among youths.
On public safety and social welfare, the council commended the state government for investing in the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) Corps and the recent employment of 100 Fire Service personnel.
The congress charged government to ensure improved equipment, better welfare for operatives of Amotekun and the state Fire Service to function efficiently and effectively .
It also called for sustained efforts to return out-of-school children to classrooms as well as urgent clearing of streams and rivers ahead of the rainy season to prevent flooding.
The congress also called for equitable distribution of developmental projects across towns and zones in the state.
Meanwhile, the Congress has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the NUJ, Oyo State, under the chairmanship of Comrade Akeem Abas.
After a review of the developments within the Union, the Congress commended Comrade Abas and his executive for the remarkable achievements recorded within the first two months of their administration.
The Congress further the progress and development recorded so far by Abas-led administration as encouraging, and reflective of purposeful leadership.
The Congress particularly applauded the administration’s welfare packages, programmes, adding that the two successful two-legged AI trainings held in January and February exceeded expectations.
It further declared that the resuscitation of facilities at the Oyo NUJ Press Centre has restored orderliness and improved the working environment within the premises.
Members of the Communique Drafting Committee included Comrade Yinka Adeniran (Chairman), and Comrades Bunmi Ishola and Peter Olasupo, members respectively.
