Edo NUJ Chairman Festus Alenkhe Takes Over EBS in Acting Capacity

Edo NUJ  Chairman Festus Alenkhe Takes Over EBS in Acting Capacity

Habiba Sam 

In a major shake-up of Edo State’s media institutions, Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Mr. Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, as Acting Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS.

The development was contained in an official statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Umar Musa Ikhilor. 

According to the statement, Alenkhe will take charge of the day-to-day running of the state-owned radio and television station with immediate effect, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

The appointment comes on the heels of the redeployment of the former EBS Managing Director, Mr. Suleiman Aledeh. 

Governor Okpebholo has moved Aledeh to lead the newly established Edo State Orientation Agency as its pioneer Director-General. The new agency is expected to drive public awareness, civic education, and government communication strategies.

The state government explained that the administrative changes are part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning key institutions for better performance.

 “These adjustments are designed to strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that service delivery across critical sectors of government meets the expectations of Edo people,” the statement read.

In the same release, the government acknowledged Aledeh’s contributions during his tenure at EBS, noting that his efforts helped stabilize the station’s operations and improve content delivery. 

The administration also expressed optimism that Alenkhe, with his wealth of experience as a veteran journalist and union leader, would consolidate on those gains.

Alenkhe’s appointment has been received as a homecoming of sorts by media stakeholders in the state.

 As NUJ Chairman, he is well known for advocating press freedom, journalists’ welfare, and professional standards. 

Many expect that his leadership will bring a fresh push for editorial independence, staff welfare, and modernization of EBS facilities.

With Alenkhe now at the helm in an acting capacity, all eyes will be on how he steers the station through this transition period and sets the tone for the next phase of public broadcasting in Edo State.