BENIN CITY – As the 2016 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , Edo State Council kicked off in Benin City Monday, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has tasked in journalists to fair and objective in their reportage.

Governor Obaseki, who was represented by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Hon. Osarodion Ogie Esq. gave the advice while declaring open the Press Week of the NUJ, Edo State Council.

Expressing his respect for journalists, Governor Obaseki noted that criticism is good, media practitioners should always cross-check their facts before making it public.

On the relationship between Edo State Government and the NUJ in the state through the past eight years of the administration of the immediate past Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and now with his administration, Governor Obaseki, said , “First of all, I want to thank all of you for the wonderful way you have cooperated with us. In the past eight years of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, we never fought and we never fight.”

Enjoining journalists to read and enrich their wealth of experience, the Governor observed that especially as professionals they must upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

While urging the Edo NUJ to maintain its annual press week, he also advised them to make innovative changes.

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In his remarks, the Chairman of the ceremony and Iyasere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe represented by the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe congratulated Edo NUJ for organizing the event and encouraged journalists to respect the government of the day, cooperate with the Secretary to the State Government as well as eschew personal interest in whatever they are doing.

Earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Sir Roland Osakue (KSJI) explained that the essence of the annual Press week is “for practicing journalists to refresh their knowledge with regards to the ethics and new trends in the profession with a view to meeting the expectation of the society through effective participation in seminars and workshops which form integral part of the week.”

While hinting that the investiture of Governor Obaseki as the Grand Patron of NUJ, Edo State Council will be done at a later date, he also demanded for the approval of weigh-in allowance for journalists in the state employment so that they can begin to enjoy the package which has been approved by the National Salary and Wages Commission following the proposal to that effect by the National Secretariat of the NUJ.

Comrade Osakue declared the commitment of the union to the promotion of all policies and programme of the new government through objective and balanced reportage of all activities of the government.

The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Mr. John Mayaki was among dignitaries present at the ceremony.