……New dawn for The Hope Newspapers as Governor Aiyedatiwa assents to historic bill
Generally, for every public servant, the hope and aspiration of receiving pension and gratuity after years of diligent and selfless service remains a source of motivation and fulfillment.
These benefits are not merely rewards for labour rendered, but assurances of security and dignity after retirement. Sadly, when workers are not entitled to such emolument, the future becomes nebulous, uncertain and frustrating, leaving many to wonder what fate awaits them after dedicating the better part of their lives to service.
This has been the lingering reality for workers of Owena Press Limited, whose years of commitment were overshadowed by concerns over their welfare and post–service security. Apparently, for years, uncertainty hung like a dark cloud over workers of former Owena Press Limited , especially the survival of the vibrant state–owned establishment. Recently, the mini chambers of the House of Assembly was filled to the brim as stakeholders from the media sector gathered for a public hearing on a bill seeking to convert Owena Press Limited to the Ondo State Government Printing and Publishing Corporation. Obviously, the atmosphere was friendly, but subtly charged as media ‘gurus’ and professionals waited patiently for the unique deliberation.
Present were labour leaders, government officials while the media was represented by the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State, Comrade LekeAdegbite. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji was conspicuously flanked by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi , his vice, Hon (Chief) Olatunji Oshati, and other members of the committee. Also at the event was the Clerk/Head of Legislative service, Barr. Benjamin Jaiyeola.
Shortly after the welcome speech by Hon. Ifabiyi, the Speaker of the House, explained that the exercise was designed to ensure that the proposed conversion reflects an inclusive reform process, rather than unilateral government decision, saying that Owena Press had long served as a strategic communication platform for the state through public information dissemination, documentation of government’s activities and promotion of civil engagement. Obviously, one does not need to consult an oracle before one knows that the public hearing was not just about debating a bill, it was about acknowledging delay, confronting reality and most importantly, setting in motion a long anticipated transformation.
Interestingly, at the public hearing, one gesture spoke louder than the words. THE HOPE correspondent in the House, Mrs. Josephine Oguntoyinbo chose to sit with her people, leaving the regular press row. She simply shared a moment of solidarity. Her message was clear, just as her gesture symbolised shared hope for Owena’s future. Owena Press Limited which was best known as the publisher of THE HOPE Newspaper, was established in 1989 under the administration of the military governor, Olabode George, to fill the gap in grassroots; information dissemination in the state, among others.
At the hearing, all concerned individuals took turns to canvass support for the bill, stressing the urgent need to reposition the organisation for greater efficiency, professionalism and improved service delivery.
The atmosphere of optimism that characterised the public hearing appeared to flow directly into plenary as lawmakers deliberated in the plenary on the Committee’s report. Presiding over the plenary session was the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, who described the measure as a bold legislative intervention aimed at strengthening public communication and preserving a vital State institution for future generations. Moving the motion for the passage of the Bill, the House leader, Hon. (Chief) Olatunji Oshati, observed that the proposed law would provide a more sustainable structure for the media outfit and at the same time improve workers’ welfare.
It should also be noted that the transition from public hearing to passage reflected the Assembly’s determination to give legal strength to a reform many described as long overdue for the survival and revitalisation of the state-owned media establishment. It gladdens ones’s heart that the bill was unanimously passed into law by the lawmakers through voice votes.
The transformation of Owena Press into a Corporation is not just administrative, but also strategic. It is important to note that this current development will, no doubt, encourage accountability and customer oriented service, thereby ensuring timely delivery and improve standards. Asides this, as the Corporation expands, it is likely to create more jobs both directly, the ripple effect of strengthening the local economy and the media industry.
Also, the Corporation will now enjoy investment in modern printing technology and digital publishing tools. With improved funding models and less bureaucratic delay, the Corporation can upgrade equipment, embrace innovation and compete with private sector players. Another strong advantage lies in its capacity to generate revenue.
As a Corporation, Organisation can now operate commercially competing for contracts, expanding printing services, and exploring publishing opportunities beyond government jobs. The passing into law of the bill converting Owena Press Limited into a Government Printing and Publishing Corporation has continued to attract commendations from staff, stakeholders and media observers.
The Chairman of the Corporation, Mr. Kayode Fasua, deeply expressed appreciation to the Ondo State House of Assembly, and particularly the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji for their commitment to the cause. According to the Fasua, Oladiji’s support for the bill was instrumental to its successful passage. Stakeholders further maintain that the Speaker and members of the Assembly have through the passage of the bill, written their names into the institution history of Owena Press.
Ondo political news
Expressions of appreciation have continued to pour in for the governor, whose assent has turned the vision into reality. Apparently, as soon as the news of his assent filtered, the entire workers of the Corporation were thrown into ecstasies, just as the premises were conspicuously enveloped with jubilation. Vividly, the atmosphere changed, people stood in groups to discuss the unprecedented development.
Many commended the courage and foresight behind the decision, noting that it reflects a genuine commitment to institutional development. Interestingly, for the workers of the new Corporation, the governor’s decision is a beacon of hope, reassuring them that their future matters and that their contributions are recognised. This milestone adds to the growing narrative of purposeful governance under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
By prioritising reform and sustainability, he is laying the foundation for long term economic and institutional strength in Ondo State. The governor’s assent is not just an administrative act –it is a defining moment of leadership. A moment that will be remembered as the point where vision met courage, and promise gave way to progress.
Across the premises of the Corporation, the development has been greeted with excitement, gratitude and renewed determination. Workers who once feared for the future of the establishment now speak with confidence about a new era of possibilities.
Conversation that previously centered on survival has gradually shifted towards growth, productivity and institutional rebirth. As the ink of assent settles, for a workforce that has waited patiently through difficult years, the governor’s assent has rekindled belief in brighter possibilities. Also, as the pages turn on a new chapter in the history of former Owena Press, staff members are determined to ensure that the story ahead becomes one of excellence resilience and renewed impact.
Kehinde Adeleye, Esq, Director, Information Service Ondo State House of Assembly
