Bill Advances to Enhance State-Run Newspaper Hope
The Ondo State House of Assembly has successfully passed a bill aimed at transforming Owena Press Limited into the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC) during its third reading. This significant step follows the review and submission of a report by John Johnson, the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. The session, presided over by Speaker Olatunji Ifabiyi, also saw contributions from Rt. Olamide Oraji on Thursday.
Initially introduced for a second reading in February, the bill was subsequently referred to a committee for further legislative evaluation. A public hearing on February 26 gathered key stakeholders from the media industry to conduct an in-depth examination of the proposal.
During the session, Ifabiyi presented the committee’s findings and recommendations. He noted that the unanimous support from assembly members for this bill underscores the commitment to establishing the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation. The report outlined provisions for creating a management committee to oversee the company’s policy direction and general administration.
According to the regulations detailed in the report, the Board of the new corporation will include a Chairman, an Editor-in-Chief, and two part-time members appointed by the Governor. The board will also consist of editors from career editorial ranks and senior managers from administrative levels.
Importantly, the regulations require that the Chairman be a seasoned media professional with a proven record of reporting excellence. In the event of a board dissolution, the Editor will assume responsibility for editing and production duties.
The report states that the board will develop policy guidelines and ensure the effective implementation of the corporation’s programs. Additionally, it acknowledges that employees, excluding temporary staff, will receive pensions, gratuities, and other retirement benefits as mandated by the National Pension Law.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the corporation’s funds be managed according to existing standards and regulations, with Owena Press Limited ceasing to operate as a limited liability company following the law’s enactment.
The assembly adopted the report unanimously through a voice vote after extensive deliberations prompted by a motion from House Leader Olatunji Oshati, who represents the Ondo West 2nd constituency.
Legislative Reforms in the Power Sector
In a related development, the House also passed the Ondo State Power Sector Law Amendment Bill, 2020. The Chairman of the Select Committee on Transport and Public Works, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, presented the report, highlighting that the amendments are designed to provide essential legal frameworks for stakeholders and government officials. These changes aim to improve operational effectiveness and optimize revenue generation.
Ayebusiwa emphasized that the new legislation seeks to enhance public awareness and compliance regarding electrification regulations, thereby addressing the needs of all stakeholders vital to the Commission’s success.
Additionally, the House approved the Public Accounts Committee’s report concerning the Auditor-General’s Report on Local Governments for 2022, which encompasses the audited accounts of 18 local governments throughout Ondo State. The report was submitted for consideration by Hon. Moinolorun Ogunwumiju, the committee chairman, before receiving final approval in the plenary session.
