Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope newspaper, occupies a unique place in Ondo State’s history. For decades, it has served as both a watchdog and a voice for public enlightenment. Yet, like many state-owned institutions, it has faced cycles of decline, reform, and renewal. Today, it once again finds itself at a crossroads.
On the one hand, recent efforts under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration and the leadership of Prince Kayode Fasua have been widely acknowledged as a revival. Staff morale has reportedly improved, circulation has grown, and digital platforms are attracting new audiences. The reintroduction of a weekend edition, the launch of The Hope Magazine, and the resuscitation of the printing press are milestones worth noting. These initiatives suggest a deliberate attempt to modernize the agency and restore its relevance.
On the other hand, fresh controversies have surfaced. Allegations of age falsification, certificate irregularities of some members of staff, and the disappearance of government vehicles have triggered investigations by the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC). Some staff members have been quizzed, while questions have also been raised about the management’s handling of a verification panel’s report. These developments, if not properly clarified, risk undermining the progress that has been made.
The facts as presented reveal two realities: first, that reforms at Owena Press are real and visible; and second, that concerns about transparency and accountability cannot simply be brushed aside. Both realities must be confronted with honesty and due process.
For the management, this is an opportunity to demonstrate transparency by cooperating fully with investigators and publishing clear records of reforms undertaken. For staff, it is a reminder that institutional credibility is only sustainable when personal integrity matches professional competence. For government, it is a test of consistency: reform must go hand in hand with accountability.
Owena Press is bigger than any individual or administration. It is a state institution that symbolizes the values of information, truth, and public service. Ensuring its survival should therefore not be reduced to battles of personality or politics.
The path forward lies in balance. Progress achieved should be consolidated, while allegations raised should be thoroughly investigated. If wrongdoings are established, corrective action must follow. If accusations are unfounded, exoneration should be clearly communicated. Either way, the truth must prevail.
What Ondo State cannot afford is another relapse into institutional decay. Reviving Owena Press is a collective responsibility, but sustaining it requires integrity, transparency, and trust. The moment calls not for division, but for commitment to building a media institution worthy of its history and its future.
