Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has applauded journalists for their sacrifices in defending democracy, promoting national unity and sustaining peace, describing them as indispensable partners in Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.
The governor gave the commendation on Tuesday when he received members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Government House, Benin City.
Okpebholo acknowledged the critical role journalists have played in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that many risk their lives and work under dangerous conditions to keep citizens informed.
“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 said.
He praised journalists for their commitment to information dissemination, stressing that their work remains essential to democratic accountability and public awareness.
The governor described the NUJ delegation’s visit as the beginning of a lasting partnership between his administration and the union, expressing optimism that the relationship would usher in a new chapter for Edo State and the journalism profession.
“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.
The governor also declared his administration’s determination to transform the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) into a competitive television station capable of matching leading Nigerian broadcasters.
He said the state-owned station would receive renewed attention and strategic repositioning to expand its reach and improve its broadcasting standards.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
His declaration signals an ambitious plan to strengthen the state-owned broadcaster and improve its capacity to serve audiences within and beyond Edo State.
Okpebholo also attributed his administration’s ability to sustain salary payments, execute infrastructure projects and intensify efforts to tackle insecurity to improved revenue allocations to states following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He disclosed that Edo State currently receives about ₦7.8 billion, saying the resources had helped his government pursue its development agenda.
Earlier, Edo NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, thanked the governor for appointing him Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service, assuring him that he would justify the confidence reposed in him.
Other union leaders, including Vice-Chairman Ede Agho, also commended Okpebholo for recognising media professionals through the appointment of Alenkhe as EBS managing director and Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
They reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professional journalism and effective communication between government and the public.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; and other government officials.
