Members of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Edo State Chapter, have underscored the importance of securing sponsorships, training opportunities and strategic partnerships to strengthen the association and enhance the professional development of its members.
The resolution was reached during the chapter’s meeting held on Thursday, May 29, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin City.
Speaking at the meeting, the State Chairman, Pastor Andrew Ohwobetehe, expressed appreciation to members who attended both the meeting and the chapter’s inaugural gathering held the previous week. He urged members to remain committed and resilient despite the challenges associated with building a new association.
According to him, many people may not immediately appreciate the value of the association at its formative stage but would likely become interested as its prospects and achievements become more evident.
Ohwobetehe disclosed that the National Chairman of the body had commended the progress made by the Edo chapter and encouraged members to remain dedicated, assuring them that their commitment would yield significant benefits in the future.
He stressed the need for the chapter to actively engage organisations and stakeholders to secure sponsorships, training programmes and other opportunities that would benefit members. The chairman also revealed plans to pay courtesy visits to key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Edo State Council of the NUJ, officials of the Edo State Government, the Edo State Commissioner of Police and other relevant institutions.
On the forthcoming inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter scheduled for June 9, Ohwobetehe informed members that participation would be open to interested members.
Also speaking, the chapter’s Treasurer, Mr. Eubaldus Enahoro, commended the chairman’s leadership and efforts in advancing the association’s objectives. He noted that while the association might not yet appear attractive to many due to its developmental stage, members should remain focused and contribute innovative ideas that could drive its growth.
Enahoro emphasized that effective planning and the successful implementation of members’ ideas were more important at this stage than the size of the association’s membership.
He further pointed out the growing mining activities across Edo State and encouraged members to explore opportunities within the sector. He suggested engaging institutions such as the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), and relevant state ministries overseeing oil and gas, mining and energy.
The Secretary of the Edo State EMR, Mr. Francis Ogbuagu, supported the proposal for members to identify and leverage opportunities within their operating environment for the collective advancement of the organisation and its members.
