REJOINDER*

 *REJOINDER* 

*RE: THE SHALLOW SMEAR AGAINST THE REBIRTH OF EBS*

*Setting the Records Straight* 

It has become necessary to set the records straight following a misleading and mischievous publication currently in circulation concerning the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS).

The publication is replete with conjecture, insinuations and sweeping claims that do little to advance meaningful discussion about the state-owned broadcast station. Rather than dwell on personalities or engage in needless mudslinging, it is important to place the facts before the public.

The reality is that EBS is undergoing significant changes aimed at improving its editorial operations, security, financial accountability, digital presence and overall effectiveness.

*Editorial Transformation* 

Over the past three months, EBS has embarked on a comprehensive redesign of its editorial operations.

Reporters now file live reports for News Now at 12 noon daily, enabling listeners to receive timely information on developing events.

A daily News Capsule has also been introduced as a concise way of keeping the public informed on important developments.

The station has further restored the roving reporter system, with reporters deployed to cover activities across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State. This is intended to move the station beyond a predominantly Benin City-focused news operation and bring wider coverage of communities across the state.

Government programmes, projects and policies are also receiving regular coverage. As a government-owned station, EBS has a responsibility to inform citizens about activities and programmes being undertaken in their communities.

*Improved Security and Working Environment*

Security at the station has also received renewed attention.

Following previous incidents in which valuable equipment was reportedly stolen from the premises, CCTV facilities have now been installed across the station, while security personnel are deployed around the clock.

The objective is not merely to protect equipment but to create a safer and more conducive environment in which journalists and other staff can work effectively.

A secure workplace naturally contributes to improved staff confidence and morale.

*Financial Accountability and Reduction of Waste*

Another significant area of change is financial management.

For years, concerns had been raised about expenditure on diesel and other operational costs without corresponding improvement in output. Under the current management, there has been a deliberate effort to reduce waste and ensure that available resources are directed towards content production, equipment, operations and staff welfare.

Commercial revenues generated by the station are also now being paid directly into the State Government account, strengthening transparency and accountability.

There is also the issue of the EBS event centre. Although substantial government funds were reportedly committed to the project, it was left incomplete. The present management has identified the situation and commenced efforts to properly review the project.

These are matters that deserve attention because they concern the responsible management of a public institution.

*EBS Goes Digital* 

EBS has also expanded its digital presence.

Its online platform now operates round the clock, giving Edo people within the state, across Nigeria and in the diaspora the opportunity to access the station's content beyond traditional broadcast hours.

This digital expansion is important in an era in which broadcasting is no longer confined to radio and television frequencies. It is part of the effort to reposition EBS for greater relevance in the years ahead.

*The Facts About Personnel* 

It is equally important to correct some misleading claims concerning personnel who have left the organisation.

Regarding EJ Osunde, the issue, according to the records available to the management, was not victimised. At the time of his employment in 2024, an inconsistency was identified in his placement by the Civil Service Commission. Although he held a first degree and should ordinarily have been placed at Level 8, he was initially placed at Level 9. The issue was subsequently corrected at confirmation, with his placement reverted to Level 8.

He subsequently chose to resign. It is therefore misleading to present the matter simply as a case of victimisation.

Similarly, Ayetutu Alufokhae reportedly proceeded on self-retirement in order to pursue personal business interests. That was a personal career decision and should not automatically be presented as evidence of an institutional crisis.

For the avoidance of doubt, claims concerning former individuals should also be weighed against their actual employment status and records with EBS.

*Experience Matters* 

The current leadership of EBS did not emerge by accident.

The intervention of Governor Monday Okpebholo brought into the station a professional who has spent more than two decades in journalism and broadcasting and who has built his career within the institution.

Mr Festus Alenkhe has worked under more than 10 heads of EBS before his appointment. He therefore brings considerable institutional knowledge and practical experience to the task of repositioning the station.

His experience as a journalist and his leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Edo State further give him an understanding of the challenges confronting media practitioners and the wider media industry.

This is not a case of trial and error. It is a case of institutional experience being brought to bear at a critical period in the history of EBS.

*EBS Belongs to the People* 

EBS is not a private enterprise. It is a public institution owned by the government and people of Edo State.

Consequently, its resources, revenue and operations must be managed in the public interest. It should not become an arena for personality clashes, private interests or attempts by individuals to treat a public institution as personal property.

Those who have moved on from the station are entitled to pursue their respective careers. However, they should allow the current management to concentrate on the task of rebuilding EBS and improving its capacity to serve the people of Edo State.

Those making allegations against the station should equally be prepared to subject their claims to facts and evidence rather than speculation and personal attacks.

The people of Edo State are capable of judging the difference for themselves.

They can see the live reports. They can hear the improved programming. They can observe the station's growing digital presence. They can assess the changes in security, accountability and editorial coverage.

The story of EBS today should therefore not be reduced to personalities or personal grievances.

EBS is working. EBS is rising. And EBS will continue to serve the people of Edo State.

Signed:

Johnson Ikpefia, PhD

Coordinator, Advanced Rights Group

5 September 2026