BENIN CITY – The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, has called on the media to continue to support government policies and programmes through objective, professional and balanced reportage, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in governance.
Ikhilor made the call while receiving members of the Governor’s Press Crew, led by the Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick, during a courtesy visit to his office as part of the season’s greetings.
Expressing appreciation for the visit, the SSG said the media plays an indispensable role in governance and public accountability.
He noted that government activities would have little impact without effective reporting to inform the public, describing the press as the fourth estate of the realm
The SSG stressed that journalists serve as the eyes, ears and voice through which the government connects with the people.
According to him, the present administration in Edo recognises the challenges faced by media practitioners, particularly in terms of welfare and working conditions, and is already taking steps to address them.
Ikhilor assured that with the passage of a new budget in the coming year, provisions would be made to substantially improve the welfare of media professionals, explaining that the current administration initially operated within the limits of an inherited budget.
He noted that government spending must be guided strictly by appropriation, saying that expenditures outside approved budgets is a criminal offence.
The SSG urged journalists to remain committed to professionalism and the pursuit of truth, irrespective of personal relationships or prevailing circumstances
Noting that consistency and integrity define credible journalism, he encouraged the media to continue supporting government policies and programmes through accurate and diligent reporting, emphasising the importance of teamwork in effective communication.
Commending members of the Governor’s Press Crew for their performance, Ikhilor lauded the quality of reportage and visual coverage, noting that collaborative efforts were essential to delivering complete and impactful stories.
Earlier, while presenting a gift to the SSG on behalf of the team, the Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, said the gesture was in appreciation of Ikhilor’s leadership and his role as the engine room of the Edo State Government.
