The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, has commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for its historic live broadcast of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B final between Edo Queens and Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa FC in Burkina Faso.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Idahosa Moses, on Monday, SWAN described the broadcast as a remarkable demonstration of professional excellence, technological ingenuity and commitment to sports development in Edo State.
The association noted that EBS emerged as the only television station in Nigeria to broadcast the decisive continental encounter live, providing millions of football fans across the country with the opportunity to witness the historic clash.
SWAN Edo said the feat had placed Edo State at the centre of national and continental attention, describing it as a major milestone for the state-owned broadcaster.
The association particularly commended the Acting General Manager of EBS and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Dr. Festus Alekhe, for what it described as his exceptional leadership and efforts to reposition the station.
According to SWAN, Alekhe’s leadership has fostered innovation, effective mobilisation of human resources and a renewed drive for professionalism and excellence at the broadcasting service.
“Dr. Alekhe’s stewardship represents a compelling testament to what purposeful leadership, intellectual capacity and professional competence can achieve within a remarkably short period of time,” the statement said.
SWAN added that the successful live broadcast of the prestigious continental fixture reflected a leadership philosophy driven by creativity, technological advancement and a determination to project Edo State positively.
The association also commended the Edo State Government for entrusting the leadership of EBS to a journalist and administrator of Alekhe’s calibre, saying the decision was already yielding visible results.
It noted that the development demonstrated that with effective leadership, strategic direction and institutional support, a state-owned broadcasting organisation could compete favourably and attract attention beyond its immediate environment.
SWAN Edo congratulated the entire management and staff of EBS on the achievement and urged them to sustain the momentum of innovation, professionalism and excellence.
The association expressed confidence that under Alekhe’s leadership, EBS would continue to break new ground and strengthen its position in sports broadcasting and public service journalism.
“This achievement is not merely a broadcast success; it is a proud statement that Edo can, Edo will, and Edo is already leading,” SWAN said.
