By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended journalists for their contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, national unity and peace, describing the media as an indispensable partner in nation-building.

The governor spoke on Tuesday when he received members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Government House, Benin City, where he described the meeting as the beginning of a new chapter in relations between his administration and the union.

Okpebholo acknowledged the sacrifices journalists have made in defending democracy and keeping the public informed, often working under difficult and dangerous conditions to ensure access to vital information.

“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 praised journalists for their dedication to information dissemination, noting that their work remained critical to democratic governance, accountability and national development.

According to him, journalists often put their lives at risk, including in conflict situations, to ensure that citizens remain informed about events affecting their communities and the country.

Describing the meeting as the beginning of a lasting partnership, Okpebholo expressed optimism that the engagement would strengthen relations between the government and the union.

“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 declared.

The governor also pledged to reposition the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) as a leading broadcast organisation capable of competing with prominent television stations in the country.

He said his administration had a clear vision for the state-owned broadcaster and was committed to improving its standards, reach and overall performance.

“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.

On the state’s finances, Okpebholo attributed his administration’s ability to sustain salary payments, execute infrastructure projects and intensify efforts to tackle insecurity to increased revenue allocations to states following the removal of the federal fuel subsidy.

He disclosed that Edo State currently receives about ₦7.8 billion, although he did not specify the period covered by the figure. He said the increased revenue had provided his administration with additional resources to 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 and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Other council leaders, including the Vice-Chairman, Ede Agho, also commended Okpebholo for recognising professionals in the journalism sector through the appointments 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 promoting professional journalism, strengthening media-government relations and improving communication between the government and the people.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, among other government officials.