The Edo State Chapter of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, to advance specialised reporting in the energy and maritime sectors.
The appeal was made during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the EMR executive committee to the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, in Benin City.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of EMR, Edo State Chapter, Andrew Ohwobetehe, congratulated Alenkhe on his leadership of the NUJ in the state and his recent appointment as Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). He commended his commitment to journalists’ welfare, professionalism, and ethical reporting.
Ohwobetehe explained that the visit was aimed at formally introducing the association to the NUJ leadership, outlining its vision and objectives, and seeking guidance and partnership.
He said the EMR was established as a professional media and public communication platform dedicated to promoting credible, investigative, developmental, and solution-driven journalism within Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors.
According to him, the association comprises journalists, editors, correspondents, broadcasters, analysts, and communication professionals committed to improving reportage of sectors critical to Nigeria’s economy.
“Our vision is to become a leading professional media body in Nigeria and Africa, dedicated to accurate, balanced, developmental and impactful reporting on energy and blue economy management,” he said.
He added that the EMR would focus on capacity building through training, seminars, workshops, and conferences aimed at strengthening specialised journalism practice. The association also plans to collaborate with government agencies, regulators, security agencies, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organisations to promote environmental sustainability, marine safety, and responsible energy reporting.
Ohwobetehe stressed that energy and maritime sectors remain vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, employment generation, trade, and national security, hence the need for improved media attention and professional coverage.
He assured the NUJ that EMR would remain independent, non-partisan, and committed to journalistic ethics, while contributing to the advancement of media practice in Edo State and beyond.
Responding, NUJ Edo State Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, welcomed the initiative and commended EMR for its vision. He noted that the energy and maritime sectors are critical to national development but remain underreported in the media.
Alenkhe pledged the NUJ’s readiness to collaborate with the association, stressing the importance of professionalism, adherence to journalistic standards, and expanded coverage of the sectors.
He also advised the EMR leadership to engage the NUJ national leadership for broader institutional support and stronger coordination.
“For Edo State, I want to assure you of our unflinching support and partnership. We should work together without friction,” he said.
He further urged the association to formally invite him and members of his executive to its inauguration in the state.
Members of the EMR Edo State executive committee accompanied the chairman on the visit.
