Edo State Government has led journalists on an inspection tour of ongoing media projects in the Nigerian Observer Newspaper and the Edo State Broadcasting Station (EBS)to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to delivering quality services to the people.
Speaking during a meeting with the management team of the Nigerian Observer Newspaper, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who led the inspection team, eulogized the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He thanked the government for investing significantly in the state-of-the-art infrastructure that can effectively compete with those in the modern or developing world, while applauding the various policies being put in place to improve the fortunes of Edo residents.
He said, “This has been very fruitful for me, going through some of the agencies and departments that comprise the Ministry of Communication, which are integral parts of Government. We need to be more focused on what we are doing. There are many things the Government is doing across the State and for our people, and we would like more people to have access to the information.”
While commenting on media reportage in the State, he harped on the essence of media presence in the State. He debunked the misleading news reports circulating on behalf of opposition members against the State Government. They have falsely claimed that EBS and the Nigerian Observer are dormant.
He emphasized the availability of evidence that attests to how the State Government has effectively utilized taxpayers’ money to achieve numerous notable milestones aligned with its MEGA Agenda.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Organisation, noting that Edo people and those in the diaspora rely very much on their news publications.
He also stressed the need for more effective and efficient reportage of the Government’s programmes and activities while urging the media to be more proactive and meticulous in disseminating Government’s information.
“Let everybody see what the Government is doing. A lot of policy changes have taken place since the Government came in, a lot of innovations as well. As a team, we have to make sure the Government and Observer will work together to ensure everybody gets timely and accurate information,” he added.
The Acting Managing Director of the Organisation, Mr. Victor Obayuwana, in his speech, disclosed that the Organisation is made up of two arms: the Publication arm and the Printing Press, which is going to be an end-to-end printing company to attend to the State Government and other customers.
Speaking on the quality and capacity of the highly technologically advanced machines available at the printing press, the Electrical Engineer, Mr Lawrence Adenugba, remarked that the two machines can print 30,000 papers (front and back) per hour, adding that the Speedmaster (4 colours printer) used for printing souvenirs, bags, calendars, jotters, among others.
The new Observer structure has access to modern facilities. It has administrative offices, CCTV cameras, a cafeteria, a library, and 24/7 electricity powered by OSSIOMO. A management staff, Miss Kanyinsola Olalere, pointed out how satisfactory and conducive the environment is and how it has helped to motivate them and enhance their performance.
Nehikhare expressed satisfaction with the pace of work. He made these remarks while inspecting the ongoing work at the Edo Broadcasting Service.
“I am very much impressed with what is going on in EBS. We have a brand new administrative block with the availability of everything needed in a modern television station. These are well put in place for the Edo People to get a better reception and to ensure the employee comfort.
All these are happening in Governor Obaski’s administration, which is radical in his speaking and approach to ensure things are done. Government is for the people and working for the people. Whatever resources or income that comes into the State is spent for the betterment of the State.”
In her remarks, the General Manager of EBS, Queeneth Orobedo, appreciated the support of the State Government so far in ensuring the smooth running of the Station, saying it now has a wider reach, spanning across eight states in Nigeria.
She disclosed that the State Government was making plans to bring Ivue Relay Station back on the air because of the topography of the State and ensure full coverage.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Festus Alenkhe, also expressed gratitude to the State Government for its continuous involvement in the affairs of the Station. He also thanked the management staff, who continued transmitting despite the ongoing renovation work. He assured that Ossiomo would soon power the Station.
