By Saviour Jimoh Alabi

In a bid to foster a cordial relationship with the newly appointed Acting Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, Comrade Dr. Festus Alenkhe, The Reliance Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, paid a courtesy visit to the station on *Wednesday, 29th July 2026.

Present at the visit were: Comr. Famous Iguisi, Chairman; Comr. Hon. Francis Akhigbe; Comr. (Mrs.) Blessing Ebifagha; Comr. Saviour Jimoh Alabi; Comr. Christopher Kadiri; and Comr. Happiness Ilusota. They were received by the EBS management team led by ag. Managing Director, Comr. Festus Alenkhe.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of The Reliance Chapel, *Comr. Famous Iguisi, described the reception by EBS management as a privilege and a demonstration of an open-door policy toward the Chapel.

He conveyed the warm greetings of the Chapel’s Leader, Deacon Ralph Okhiria, a former chairman of the Edo NUJ, who was unavoidably absent due to another very important official engagement.

Comr. Iguisi thereafter introduced the new executive members of The RELIANCE Chapel to the EBS management. They are: Comr. Famous Iguisi, Chairman; Comr. Blessing Ebifagha, Vice Chairman; Comr. Saviour Jimoh Alabi, Secretary; and Comr. Happiness Ilusota, Treasurer.

He stated that the visit was in two-fold: To formally congratulate the ag. Managing Director on his appointment, and to commend his sterling leadership as NUJ Chairman, now combined with his new role, as well as to pledge the Chapel’s full support to his leadership.

According to him, the synergy between the Chapel and the Broadcasting Service is critical at this time to uphold truth and fairness in reportage, hold government accountable, and respect the constitutional role of broadcasting.

“We are open to content sharing, joint training, and media advocacy that will project the image of Edo State and advance the welfare of journalists,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Chapel’s commitment to NUJ programmes and policies by mobilizing members to participate actively and speak with one voice.

Comr. Iguisi also acknowledged the enormous task before the ag.Managing Director and assured him that the Chapel would deploy its manpower to contribute meaningfully and support the development agenda of the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo across Edo State. He appreciated the Governor for finding Festus Alenkhe worthy of the new appointment as the ag. Managing Director of EBS.

The Chairman further appealed for improved welfare packages for journalists in Edo State and for the upholding of press freedom to enable journalists to discharge their duties without fear or intimidation.

He also used the opportunity to remind the ag. Managing Director of the burial arrangements for the late Comrade Felix Azamosa, a committed member of The RELIANCE Chapel and NUJ Edo State Council. He solicited EBS support and coverage for the burial ceremony to give the late comrade the befitting farewell he deserves.

Responding, the ag. Managing Director of EBS, *Com. Dr. Festus Alenkhe, said a committee had earlier been set up to work on the NUJ compendium and one of The RELIANCE Chapel members was nominated, but unfortunately passed on a month later. He called for a minute of silence in honour of the late Comrade Felix Azamosa.

Comr. Alenkhe noted that it was unprecedented in the history of EBS and NUJ for one person to serve concurrently as NUJ Edo State Council Chairman and ag.Managing Director of a state-owned broadcasting station. He said the dual privilege would make it easier to actualize most NUJ programmes.

He assured the Chapel of teamwork and urged members to develop programmes that would be beneficial to journalists, particularly in combating fake news and the dangers of AI, which he said had led to loss of lives.

He stressed the need for fact-checking and urged journalists in the state to avoid stories that could endanger lives. As conventional journalists, he added, it is their duty to correct false information.

He also highlighted Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to the development of EBS, citing the provision of 35 solar panels, two new buses, and 24 brand new CCTV cameras for the station, noting that the Governor believes in journalists.

He appreciated The RELIANCE Chapel for the visit.