Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in its Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, describing his leadership as purposeful, visionary, and result-driven in strengthening the union, upholding professional ethics, and ensuring effective representation of journalists in the state.
According to a communiqué signed by Andy Egbon, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee and Secretary of the NUJ Edo State Council; Famous Iguisi, a member of the committee; and Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the council, the decision reflects the council’s collective support for his leadership.
The resolution was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress meeting of the union in Benin City.
Congress expressed satisfaction with the achievements of Alenkhe and his executive council, urging them to sustain their commitment to the progress, unity and growth of the NUJ in Edo State.
The union also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for appointing Alenkhe as the Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), describing the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his competence, professionalism, integrity and years of dedicated service to journalism and public communication.
Members expressed confidence in Alenkhe’s capacity to deploy his wealth of experience toward repositioning the state-owned broadcast organisation for improved efficiency, professionalism and enhanced service delivery.
Congress, however, condemned in strong terms what it described as cyberbullying, online harassment and malicious campaigns allegedly orchestrated by one Timothy Osemwegie against the NUJ chairman.
The union dismissed allegations of fraud circulated against Alenkhe on social media as false, baseless and calculated attempts to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
It called on security and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring to justice individuals or groups responsible for spreading false information and engaging in character assassination.
Reaffirming its solidarity with Alenkhe, Congress reiterated its confidence in his integrity, character and leadership.
The union also lauded Governor Okpebholo for ongoing infrastructural development projects across Edo State, particularly the construction of two major flyovers in Benin City and the rehabilitation of roads in communities across the three senatorial districts.
Congress noted that improved road infrastructure remains vital to economic growth, public safety, ease of movement and overall development, while urging the state government to sustain the pace of development and ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects.
It further appealed for the extension of development initiatives to other underserved parts of the state.
On security, Congress commended the Edo State Government and security agencies for intensified operations aimed at combating crime and protecting residents.
Particular praise was given for the swift response that led to the arrest of suspects involved in the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City.
The union described the development as evidence of the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Nevertheless, Congress called for sustained efforts, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to effectively address kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The union further urged all eligible residents of Edo State to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active participation in the electoral process is a fundamental civic responsibility and a key pillar of democratic governance.
Congress also called on citizens to come out en masse and participate peacefully in the Local Government Elections scheduled for July 11, 2026, noting that broad participation would strengthen grassroots democracy, promote accountability and enhance good governance at the local government level.
