Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to transform the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) into a leading television station capable of competing with Nigeria’s foremost broadcasters.
Okpebholo made the pledge on Tuesday when he received members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at his office in Benin City.
The governor commended Nigerian journalists for their contributions and sacrifices to democracy, national unity and peacebuilding, describing them as indispensable partners in nation-building.
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He acknowledged the risks journalists face while reporting events, particularly in conflict zones, and stressed that their dedication to keeping the public informed remained vital to the survival and effective functioning of democracy.
“You 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,” Okpebholo said.
The governor described his meeting with the NUJ delegation as the beginning of a lasting partnership, expressing confidence that the relationship would mark a turning point for the 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 maintained.
EBS Transformation
On the state-owned broadcasting station, Okpebholo said his administration was committed to repositioning the service to meet international 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. I am confident that the ongoing efforts to improve the station will strengthen its capacity to compete with established television networks in Nigeria,” the governor explained.
NUJ Leadership Commends Governor
The Chairman of the Edo State NUJ Council, Festus Alenkhe, who was recently appointed Managing Director of EBS, pledged to meet the expectations of the state government and union members by taking the broadcasting service to greater heights.
Other NUJ leaders at the meeting commended Okpebholo for prioritising professionalism and 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 also pledged to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by promoting professionalism and strengthening communication between the government and the public.
Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Yakubu Musa; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, among others.
