Okpebholo Assures Edo Journalists Of Lasting Partnership, Says New Dawn Begins For Media-Government Relationship
Falmata Ibrahim
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, of a strong and enduring partnership with his administration, declaring that a new dawn has begun in the relationship between government and the media in the state.The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the leadership and members of the Edo NUJ Council at the Government House, Benin City, during a courtesy and thank-you visit.
Governor Okpebholo described journalists as critical partners in nation-building, commending them for their sacrifices, resilience and invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, national unity and peace.
According to him, journalists have played pivotal roles in defending democratic values and keeping citizens informed, often operating under harsh and risky conditions to ensure Nigerians are abreast of happenings across the country.
“You people have contributed to Nigeria’s democracy. You fought for what we are enjoying today. You fought for the peace of Nigeria. You fought for the unity of this country, and you remain in our hearts,” he told the journalists.
He noted that the media remains indispensable to democratic governance and deserves recognition for its round-the-clock commitment to information dissemination.
“I will continue to take you as one of us because of what you are doing day and night. Even during the war, you go in there just to get information so that people will know what is happening. That is very serious, and you are highly commended,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo said the visit marked the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between his government and the NUJ, expressing confidence that the renewed partnership will usher in a turning point for Edo State and a new era for the journalism profession in the state.
“Today, we have started our relationship. We have started a partnership. This meeting will last long, and it will bring about a turning point for Edo. It is a new dawn for NUJ,” the Governor declared.
He also spoke about ongoing reforms at the state-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), assuring that his administration is determined to reposition the station to compete favourably with leading private television networks in the country.
“Anywhere I am in the world, EBS should be watched. EBS is transforming. By the time I leave Edo State as governor, EBS will be like TVC or Channels, because that is our primary station. We have a design for how we want EBS to look like,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo said he identifies more with contents from conventional media, citing instances where unverified reports from social media influencers falsely claimed his Chief Security Officer had been sacked, when the officer was actually away on official assignment.
He charged journalists to remain objective at all times and continue to contribute to the development of the state through balanced and responsible reportage. He encouraged them to aspire to the highest heights in life, including becoming Governors and President, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all.
The Governor linked his administration’s ability to pay salaries regularly, execute infrastructure projects and intensify the fight against insecurity to improved revenue allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, disclosing that Edo State now receives about ₦7.8 billion.
Earlier, Chairman of the Edo NUJ Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, JP, who is also the newly appointed Managing Director of EBS, thanked Governor Okpebholo for finding him worthy of the appointment. He assured the Governor that he would not disappoint the administration, the union and the people of Edo State, pledging to uphold the law establishing the station and work with his team to realise its objectives.
Alenkhe also pledged the support of journalists in the state in publicising government activities with strict adherence to the ethics of journalism and appreciated members of the union for their solidarity
Other council leaders, including the Vice Chairman, Comrade Ede Agho; the Secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon; Chairman of the State Information Chapel, Comrade Erharuyi A. Joe; and Executive Director of OJ FM, Comrade Olabisi Akpaida, also expressed gratitude to the Governor for honouring journalists through the appointment of Alenkhe as EBS MD and Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. They reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professional journalism and strengthening communication between government and the people.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP; and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, among others.