Wednesday, 9th July 2025, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Independent Online Chapel Ota as part of her activities at promoting professional ethics visited the National President of the Motorcycle Operator Union (MOUN), and Ogun State Chairman of the Riders Owners of Motorcycles Organisation (ROMO), Alh. Dr. Rasak Olusola Sotayo, affectionately known as Sholebo , at his residence in Iju, Ado Odo-Ota Local government area of Ota, Ogun State
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The delegation led by Comrade Kayode Taiwo, Chairman of the NUJ Ota Independent Online Chapel articulated the visit as one of the culture at developing and sustaining democracy and the development of a better society.
Alh. Dr. Rasak Olusola Sotayo is the Borokini of Ota land and the Babaloja General of Aso-Odo Ota local government area. During his address, he called for ongoing collaboration between the government and the NUJ to address the pressing issues confronting the journalism profession. He urged journalists to uphold high standards of ethics and integrity in their reporting.
He stressed on the fact that journalists play a vital role in society, creating awareness, informing, and publicizing both the good and bad aspects of individuals and the nation as they act as watchdogs, holding those in power accountable and advocating for the betterment of nation-building.
He commended journalists for their invaluable contributions to society, noting that their profession is noble and deserving of respect. He pledged his continued support and appreciation for journalists, emphasizing that he will always welcome them and encourage them. In his word “journalism profession is indispensable and will continue to play a vital role in nation building and I remain steadfast in my commitment at supporting journalists and sincerely wish that one of my children pursue a career in journalism”.
The MOUN President also took the opportunity to explain the difference between an association and a union. He stated that a union is formed when multiple associations come together and are recognized by the Ministry of Labor and Trade, either as a member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The MOUN ,President emphasized the vital role that journalists play in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency in governance, highlighting the various challenges faced by her union, including safety, economic pressures, and the urgent need for improved working conditions. He reiterated the importance of providing necessary support and resources to media professionals to bolster their capacity and effectiveness.
He emphasized that MOUN is a recognized union, approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria, and has been providing various benefits to its members, including empowerment through loan purchases of motorcycles, training and retraining, insurance schemes, and efforts to curb reckless riding.
He spoke about a notable shift in the perception of commercial motorcycle operators. Noting that the union is currently undergoing the reform in transition from viewing their members as touts, uneducated and irresponsible individuals to recognizing them as a more educated and disciplined group. This change, he attributed to intentional policies encouraging members to pursue education through part-time studies, equipping them to understand their rights and contribute meaningfully to society. He proudly shared that many members have returned to school, engaging in weekend Programmes and courses, which he believes will foster better citizenship and societal contributions. He also highlighted that some members have ascended to positions in local and national governance, including roles as councillors and members of the National Assembly.
He acknowledged the support of the government to their union “the government has indeed been doing a great deal at supporting our union, particularly the present administration, as evidenced by their importation of motorcycles for our benefit, having recognized the technical expertise within our union.
He also thanks and appreciates the support of the governor of Ogun state Prince Dapo Abiodun to their association and sister association in the state and his avowed commitment to the development of Ogun State as a whole as he continue to support the government .
