Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government for the distribution of subsidized rice to union members as part of post-subsidy palliative efforts in the State.
The union made the commendation in a communiqués issued at the end of its Congress held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at its secretariat in Benin City.
The communiqués was signed by the chairman of the council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon and the three-member drafting committee.
In the nine-points communiqué, the union also commended the Governor of the State, Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s strides in infrastructure and education since assumption of office in November 2024.
The union made specific reference to the flyover at Ikpoba Hill and ongoing link road projects across Benin and Ekpoma.
It praised the governor’s interventions at Ambrose Alli University, including increased subvention, payment of outstanding entitlements, re-engagement of staff, the induction of 128 medical graduates, and approval for an additional 39 to be inducted in July.
The council further welcomed the reforms being driven by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, and called for sustained efforts to improve learning outcomes across the state.
It, however, called for the full revitalisation of The Nigerian Observer, including regular print editions and the hiring of qualified professionals, just as it further commended ongoing reforms at Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) under its current management led by Sulaiman Aledeh.
According to the communiqués, members were reminded of the ethical obligation to file reports after assignments as well as to recommit to professionalism.
The union said the communiqué was part of resolutions adopted at the congress by delegates after the extensive deliberations on issues affecting the union, the state, and the nation.
