Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended Nigerian journalists for their contributions to democracy, national unity and peace, describing them as indispensable partners in nation-building.
The governor also pledged to transform the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) into a leading television station capable of competing with national broadcasters such as TVC and Channels Television.
Okpebholo made the remarks on Tuesday when he received members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Government House in Benin City.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor praised journalists for their sacrifices in defending democracy and keeping Nigerians informed, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.
“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,” the governor said.
He noted that journalists deserved recognition for their dedication to information dissemination, adding that their work remained vital to the survival and effective functioning of democracy.
Okpebholo particularly acknowledged journalists who risk their lives to report events in conflict zones, saying their commitment to ensuring that the public remains informed was worthy of commendation.
The governor described the meeting with the NUJ leadership as the beginning of a lasting partnership between his administration and the union, expressing optimism that the relationship would usher in a new era for journalism in Edo 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,” he said.
Okpebholo Promises EBS Transformation
On the state-owned broadcasting station, the governor said his administration was committed to repositioning EBS to meet national standards and expand its reach beyond Edo State.
“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.
He expressed confidence that ongoing efforts to improve the station would strengthen its capacity to compete with established television networks in Nigeria.
Governor Links Development Projects to Increased Revenue
Okpebholo also attributed his administration’s ability to sustain salary payments, execute infrastructure projects and intensify the fight against insecurity to increased revenue allocations to states following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He said Edo State currently receives about ₦7.8 billion, noting that the additional resources had helped his government pursue its development agenda.
NUJ Leadership Commends Governor
Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State NUJ Council, Festus Alenkhe, JP, thanked the governor for appointing him as Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service.
Alenkhe assured the governor that he would not disappoint the administration or members of the union in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Other NUJ leaders, including the council’s Vice-Chairman, Ede Agho, also praised Okpebholo for recognising journalists through the appointments of Alenkhe as EBS managing director and Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting professional journalism and strengthening communication between the government and the public.
Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, among others.
