BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has lauded the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the significant progress in infrastructure and education across the state since assuming office in November 2024.
This commendation was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council’s Congress held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with delegates from 15 chapels in attendance.
The communiqué was signed by NUJ Edo State Council Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, alongside the drafting committee chaired by Lucky Isibor, with Eben Enasco and Mrs Joy Musa Aghedo as members.
The union particularly noted the construction of a flyover at Ikpoba Hill and ongoing road linkage projects in Benin City and Ekpoma, describing them as signs of purposeful governance.
The Congress also hailed recent interventions at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), which include increased financial support, payment of outstanding staff entitlements, re-engagement of disengaged employees, and the successful induction of 128 medical graduates, with approval secured for an additional 39 in July.
Praising the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, for ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing learning outcomes, the union urged the state government to maintain the momentum in the education sector.
However, the Congress expressed strong concern over the state of The Nigerian Observer newspaper and called for its full revitalisation. It urged the Edo State Government to resume regular print editions and employ more competent professionals to restore the paper’s relevance.
The union also commended reforms at the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) under its current leadership, which it said were setting a new standard for state media.
Turning inward, the NUJ cautioned members against prioritising honoraria over professional responsibility and reminded them to submit comprehensive reports after covering assignments.
The Congress also condemned the ongoing breach of internal confidentiality, where members reportedly relay union matters to spouses, sometimes resulting in domestic discord. It resolved that such individuals would henceforth be named to curb the practice.
The Congress further appreciated the Federal Government for distributing subsidised rice to journalists as part of the national post-subsidy palliative efforts.
Addressing security concerns at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City, the union ordered the immediate eviction of unauthorised persons loitering within the premises. A three-man committee, led by Efosa Uwangue with Kadiri Christopher and Ebalu Ikhili as members, was inaugurated to enforce security and restore order in the Press Centre.
The Congress also advised chapels to notify the state council ahead of courtesy visits to any individual or organisation. This, it stated, would improve coordination, prevent duplication of engagements, and preserve the union’s collective integrity.
