Oyo NUJ Tackles Insecurity, Fake News, Faults Late-Night WASSCE Examinations

…Threaten legal action against Akewugbagold over unpaid debt

…As Congress condemns rising insecurity, urges protection for schools

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts towards the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The call was part of resolutions reached at the union’s monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, under the chairmanship of the State Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas.

The congress expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and other security challenges across Oyo State, urging governments at all levels to adopt more proactive measures to tackle the menace.

It also called for adequate security deployment to schools to ensure the safety of pupils, students and teachers.

The journalists noted the difficulty in tracking and apprehending kidnappers despite their frequent use of social media platforms, and urged security and intelligence agencies to leverage modern technology and digital intelligence tools to identify and prosecute criminal elements.

The congress also reiterated its support for the establishment of state police as a lasting solution to the nation’s security challenges.

On education, the congress condemned the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) late into the night, describing the practice as unsafe and harmful to students’ welfare.

It urged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to review its examination timetable and ensure that all papers are concluded within reasonable hours.

The NUJ further expressed concern over the increasing spread of fake news and misinformation on social media, calling for stricter enforcement of existing cyber laws.

It also advised journalists and media practitioners to uphold professional ethics by verifying information before publication, especially on sensitive security issues.

Congress also called on the Oyo State Government to address the deteriorating condition of the Agodi Gate Motor Terminal in Ibadan.

The union cited poor sanitation, disorderliness and operational inefficiencies at the facility, particularly the practice of commercial drivers handing over waybill items to storekeepers who allegedly impose unofficial charges before releasing goods to recipients.

The congress urged members of the union to continue supporting government and security agencies in the fight against crime.

It also expressed disappointment over the failure of Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold to fully settle his financial obligation to the union, noting that only ₦2 million had been paid out of the ₦11 million owed.

The union called on him to immediately pay the outstanding balance or face legal action.