Edo Govt. Challenges Press: "Be Auditors of Democracy," Not Cheerleaders, at 2025 NUJ Press Week


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SA Okhuemoi Demands Data-Driven Scrutiny of Governor Okpebholo's SHINE Agenda; Commissioner Afuegba Pleads for Constructive Dialogue and Security Patience.

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Benin City, Edo State — The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) observed its 2025 Press Week on Thursday, December 5th, with a powerful call for enhanced accountability and ethical practice in the media. The event, themed "The role of Journalists in deepening democratic governance," was scaled back to a low-key observance in honour of two colleagues who passed away, a collective loss that cast a sombre tone over the proceedings.

​The central point of the week was a lecture delivered by 'Bugie Okhuemoi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Edo State Governor, who spoke on the topic: "The Role of Journalists in Making Government Accountable to Citizens."

​NUJ Chairman: A Solemn Call for Ethics

​In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Dr. Festus Alenkhue, highlighted that the annual Press Week serves as a crucial moment to promote press freedom and reflect on the profession's ideals. He underscored the solemnity of the occasion, noting that the tragic loss of union members necessitated the abridged celebration.

​Dr. Alenkhue commended the Press Week Organising Committee, led by Comrade Efosa Uhuangwe of ITV, for their successful planning. Most importantly, he passionately urged all practicing journalists to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

​"He emphasized the need for objectivity in the journalism practice, calling on all journalists to try as much as possible to be very ethical in their reportage and your stories at all times," the Chairman stated, setting the ethical benchmark for the dialogue.


​Okhuemoi: The Press as Constitutional Auditor

​Addressing the audience, Mr. Okhuemoi was emphatic about the media’s constitutional mandate, asserting that the press is not a spectator but an institutional pillar tasked by Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution to "hold the government accountable to the people."

​He presented the government’s relationship with the media as a necessary and often difficult dialogue, where the journalist serves as the "moderator, the amplifier, and the fact-checker." He challenged the Edo media to move beyond mere reporting and act as:

  • ​A Translator of complex policies into tangible impacts for citizens.
  • ​An Auditor whose pen tells the same truth as the accountant’s ledger.

​Okhuemoi dedicated a significant portion of his lecture to demanding a rigorous scrutiny of Governor Monday Okpebholo's comprehensive S.H.I.N.E Agenda, which stands for Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition (Agriculture), and Education.

​He called on journalists to employ an "expanded toolkit" to hold the government accountable to the 'Practical People-driven Governance' ideology:

  • ​“Geo-Tag & Track” Method: Following up on announced projects like renovated schools and roads six months later to verify completion, staffing, and sustained usage.
  • ​“Data Journalism” Mandate: Using figures to strip away emotion and reveal patterns of performance or neglect, such as collating data on teacher shortages or mapping road reports.
  • ​“Constructive Agenda-Setting”: Utilizing investigative findings to inspire specific government interventions and solutions, rather than being mere agents of 'personal interest-inspired opposition.'

​Commissioner’s Plea: Celebrate Yourselves and Engage Constructively

​Adding to the dialogue, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kasim Afuegba, began by commending the efforts of journalists. However, he lamented the low attendance by media practitioners, noting that journalists are "not always celebrated by themselves and others as they do to others."

​Prince Afuegba made a dual appeal to the state's media:

  1. ​Constructive Partnership: He urged journalists to actively engage the government with initiatives and ideas, emphasizing that solutions—especially to issues like the prevailing security situation—could be found through collective bargaining and constructive criticism.
  2. ​Information Temperance: He asked for patience on the part of the journalists when seeking information, particularly concerning security and kidnapping cases, explaining that immediate or premature dissemination could inadvertently escalate consequences for victims, such as increasing ransom demands.

​The Commissioner concluded by assuring the media that the present administration is fully committed to transparency and working collaboratively for the state's progress.

​The event, which concluded with award presentations, saw Mr. Okhuemoi urge the press to forge a new covenant: to hold the government's feet to the fire, but let it be the "clean fire of truth, not the smoky fire of malice or profit."

​This revised report incorporates the requested details and ensures all major participants' contributions flow smoothly within the overall narrative.

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