Edo NUJ Hosts Grand Reception for CPS Ebojele; Journalists Demand Transparency and Revival of Ministerial Briefings

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-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, on Friday, hosted a high-profile reception in honor of the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.

​The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City, served as both a celebration of professional excellence and a strategic forum for strengthening the relationship between the state government and the media.

​A Call for Synergy and Professionalism

​In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Edo State Council of NUJ, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, emphasized that the gathering was a testament to the solidarity of Edo journalists. He noted that the union decided to celebrate "one of its own" to demonstrate that the entire media fraternity stands behind the CPS.

​However, Dr. Alenkhe used the platform to advocate for better media relations. He urged the CPS to:

• ​Revive Ministerial Briefings: Reintroduce regular briefings by Commissioners to ensure journalists are kept abreast of government activities.
• ​Ensure Transparency: He warned that a lack of transparency often leads to speculations and the publication of unverified reports, which then require refutations.
• ​Provide Support: He called for a balanced approach to storytelling but insisted that the government must "carry journalists along" to maintain public trust.

​Veterans Charge CPS on Substance Over Propaganda

​The event featured insights from media veterans, including Tony Abolo, who challenged Dr. Ebojele to transform government communication into something "substantial."

​"People want news, not just noise," Abolo remarked, urging the CPS to leverage his academic excellence and vast experience to elevate the communication sector of the state.

​The "SHINE" Agenda: Ebojele Pledges Transparency

​Responding to the honors, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, acknowledging the weight of expectations tied to his office.

​Addressing his strategy for the role, Ebojele stated:

​"I know my assignment is straightforward because I have vowed not to entertain any kind of propaganda. The government’s programs are clearly spelt out through the ongoing transformation of the state under the SHINE Agenda; these achievements speak for themselves."

The CPS also addressed internal challenges within the media space, calling for unity and the end of discrimination among different media outfits. He urged journalists to bridge communication gaps, suggesting the use of SMS when phone calls are not immediately reachable.

​Dignitaries and Highlights

​The ceremony was chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and attended by a cross-section of media heavyweights, including:

• ​Past and present NUJ Chairmen.
• ​The CPS to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Denis Idahosa.
• ​A large delegation from the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), of which the CPS and his spouse are members.
  

​The reception concluded with the presentation of gifts, heartfelt tributes, and the ceremonial cutting of a cake to mark the beginning of a new era in Edo State's government-media relations.