Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State officially unveiled the newly revamped Nigerian Observer building and a state-of-the-art printing press centre in Benin City on Tuesday.
The rebranded facility, which sits on the historical site of the Nigerian Observer’s inception 56 years ago, has been transformed into a vibrant media hub designed to preserve Edo State’s legacy as a leader in Nigerian journalism.
Obaseki stressed that the transformation pays homage to the foresight of Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, who launched the original printing house.
“The advanced printing technology we found here underscores the vision of our predecessors,” he said, noting that the modern facility is part of a larger plan to elevate Edo’s media profile on a national scale.
The new Nigerian Observer complex features an Observer Hall of Fame to celebrate the contributions of Edo-born media luminaries.
Among those honoured were John Momoh of Channels TV, Tony Iredia, former NTA Director-General, and Nduka Obaigbena, founder of Thisday and Arise TV, for their enduring impact on Nigerian journalism.
In addition to enhancing the media landscape, the Nigerian Observer now incorporates the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub. This space, dedicated to nurturing Edo’s young creatives, provides aspiring artists and journalists with resources and opportunities within Edo’s evolving arts and media sector.
“The hub stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing local talent and driving job creation,” Obaseki added.
The new press center, equipped with three advanced printing machines, can produce newspapers and books at a pace fit for the demands of the South-South region, thus solidifying the Observer’s position in the regional media landscape.
The governor thanked the Ministry of Communication, his media team, and technical partners for their roles in the project, noting that this rebranding will serve as a model of innovation for media institutions across Nigeria.
The event closed with a tribute to veteran journalists who emerged from the Nigerian Observer and thrived despite industry challenges, marking the occasion as a milestone in Edo’s media history.
