Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited Honoured for Robust CSR as Edo NUJ Demands Accountability at Annual Press Week


​By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Benin City, Edo State – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, on Thursday, December 5, 2025, held its annual Press Week, using the platform to champion the critical role of the press in upholding democratic governance while also celebrating corporate excellence in community engagement.

​The week, themed “The Role of Journalists in Deepening Democratic Governance,” was held at the NUJ State Secretariat in Benin City, albeit in an abridged format to honour two deceased members of the union, an event which featured a cultural dance display, goodwill messages, and a key award presentation.

 Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited Wins CSR Excellence Award

​A major highlight of the event was the official presentation of an award to Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited (RENL), recognizing the company for its robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to its host communities.

​The prestigious award was presented by the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kasim Afuegba. This recognition highlights RENL's consistent commitment to sustainable community investment, particularly through initiatives focused on education, health, and local infrastructure development within its host communities.

​The company's Managing Director, Mr. Olivier ODOUKOU, was represented at the ceremony by the Communications Manager, Mr. Oronsaye James, who graciously accepted the award on the company’s behalf.

​Receiving the accolade, Mr. James reiterated RENL's dedication to maintaining a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship with its stakeholders by prioritizing genuine, impactful, and sustainable CSR activities. The award serves as a testament to the company's philosophy of sharing its success and supporting the socio-economic growth of the regions where it operates.

​ The Press: Watchdog and Partner in Accountability

​The central lecture, titled “The Role of Journalists in Making Government Accountable to Citizens,” was delivered by Mr. ‘Bugie Okhuemoi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Edo State Governor.

​Okhuemoi firmly established the press as a “constitutional, moral, and practical” pillar, describing the journalist's function as the “moderator, the amplifier, and the fact-checker” in the essential dialogue between the government and the governed.

​“Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution tasks the press to ‘hold the government accountable to the people.’ You are not just observers; you are an institutional pillar of our democracy,” Okhuemoi stated.


​He urged journalists to adopt a more advanced approach to accountability journalism, recommending an “expanded toolkit” that includes the “Geo-Tag & Track” method for verifying project completion over time, the “Data Journalism” Mandate for evidence-based reporting, and the “Constructive Agenda-Setting” Power to inspire solutions. He stressed that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo seeks “honest, unbiased, engaged, critical partners in nation-building,” not mere cheerleaders.

​Calls for Ethical and Constructive Engagement

​In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Dr. Festus Alenkhue, emphasized the necessity of objectivity and high ethical standards in all journalistic reportage. He specifically commended the Press Week Organising Committee led by Comrade Efosa Uhuangwe of ITV for a successful event.

​Commissioner Prince Kasim Afuegba, in his remarks following the presentation of the award, appreciated the good work of journalists but decried the low turnout of media practitioners at the event.

​"Journalists are not always celebrated by themselves and others as they do to others," Afuegba noted. He further called on journalists to try to engage the government with initiatives and ideas, and with constructive criticism, assuring the media that "the present Government is much more ready to work for the progress of the State and the media."

​He also appealed for media patience, particularly on security matters, to prevent sensitive information from being used by criminals (like kidnappers) to escalate their actions.

​The event concluded with a reinforced commitment to dialogue and professional scrutiny, cementing the press's role as a vital force for good governance in Edo State.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more