…says journalists remain watchdogs of society
• debunks rumoured demolition of the secretariat
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has commended Edo state Journalists for the cordial working relationship between the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Edo State Government as he urged members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to use their permanent voter card (PVC) wisely in electing credible leaders in the upcoming 2023 general elections.
The Deputy Governor made the remarks when he hosted Journalists from across Edo State to the 2022 annual breakfast meeting in his private residence in Benin City.
He lamented the worsening socio-economic challenges plaguing the nation while urging the citizens to be conscious of their choice of candidates when casting their votes.
He affirmed the critical roles of Journalists as watchdogs of society, assuring of his unwavering commitment to their well-being at all times.
Shaibu dismissed speculations of the State Government’s plans to demolish the State NUJ Secretariat and take over the Union landed property.
He lauded Journalists for their support for the present administration while commending the State Executive Council of NUJ, under the leadership of Comrade Festus Alenkhe.
The event featured the presentation of awards to the three best investigative Journalists in the State for the outgoing year instituted and sponsored by the Deputy Governor.
Benedict Okate of Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, emerged as the best investigative Journalist of the year with a cash prize of #250.000.00 while Mike Osarogiagbon of the Nigerian Observer and Mercy Onyemeli of the Correspondence Chapel won the second and third prizes of #150,000.00 and #100,000.00, respectively.
Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, appreciated the Deputy Governor for his magnanimity and support for Journalists in Edo and beyond.
He highlighted the measures put in place so far by his Executive Council to promote professionalism and checkmate the activities of quacks, masquerading as practicing Journalists in the State.
The breakfast meeting attracted top government functionaries, including Osarodion Ogie, Esq., Secretary to State Government, SSG; Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare; Commissioner for Youths and Gender issues, Hon. Andrew Emwanta, Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Inusa lmonofi and Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Ebomhiana Musa, amongst others.