Assembly okays Owena Press transition, adopts LG audit report

By Tolulope Eniola

The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday approved a series of key legislative measures, including the conversion of Owena Press Limited into a state-owned corporation and the adoption of the 2022 Auditor-General’s report for local governments.

The lawmakers passed a bill transforming Owena Press Limited into the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), following the consideration of a report presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

The bill, which had earlier scaled second reading in February, was subjected to further legislative scrutiny and a public hearing involving stakeholders in the media industry before its final passage.

According to the committee’s report, the new corporation will be managed by a Board comprising a Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, two part-time members appointed by the Governor, as well as representatives from the editorial and administrative cadres.

The law stipulates that the Chairman must be a seasoned media professional, while the Editor will oversee editorial and production matters in the event of a board dissolution.

It also provides that employees of the corporation, excluding casual workers, will be entitled to pensions, gratuities and other retirement benefits in line with the State Pensions Law, with their years of service duly recognised.

With the passage of the bill, Owena Press Limited will cease to operate as a limited liability company.

In a related development, the Assembly adopted the report of its Public Accounts Committee on the 2022 Auditor-General’s report for local governments, covering the audited accounts of the 18 local government areas in the state.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, presented the report, which was subsequently approved by the House after due consideration.

Also at plenary, lawmakers passed a bill amending the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law, 2020.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Transport and Public Utilities, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, said the amendment would strengthen the legal framework for stakeholders in the power sector, enhance operational efficiency and improve revenue generation for the state.

He added that the amendment would also promote public awareness on electrification limits and ensure compliance, while accommodating all critical stakeholders necessary for the effective functioning of the sector.

The measures were adopted after extensive deliberations and unanimous approval by the House.