By Kadiri Christopher
The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has assured the newly elected executive officers of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council that the electric power generated and distributed to government facilities, will soon locate the premises of the NUJ.
Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the NUJ leadership led by the Union’s Chairman, he said, “You said you have one million naira on ground in advancement of the project which amounts to over five million naira. Don’t worry. Keep your money, we will connect you as soon as possible.
“On your request for Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, to also get the power supply from Ossiomo phase two, we shall be extending the power supply to Ikpoba Hill soon, so, EBS will definitely be connected”, he said.
Responding to the numerous requests made by the Union’s Chairman, the governor said the health needs of journalists will be of importance to his administration.
According to him, “there’s no need for a Central Hospital. We can never have a Central Hospital again. There will now be a well planned and structured decentralized hospital at every Ward and local government which will enable everyone in the state to have access to health care.
“In terms of security, we are doing a lot. We are doing everything possible to tackle the herders/farmers clash. Our highways are under serious security to ensure hitch free passage of the roads by commuters. We are doing a lot than we can openly say.
“As for the quarterly briefing, it is possible. We shall commence briefing of journalists soon. Political appointees will be invited to show us their scorecards. This will easily make the people abreast of our scope, policies, operations and other progress”, he said.
Earlier during the courtesy visit, the Chairman of the NUJ, had informed the government that there are lots of projects to be embarked upon.
He briefed the governor that the Press Center is already been secured with Close Circuit Television, CCTV cameras. He informed the governor that the twelve toilets at the center have been renovated for use. He told the governor that the pillars for the extended part of the first floor have been erected and that journalists have been enrolled with Edo Health Insurance Scheme as well as empowerment alignment with Sterling bank.
Highlights of the visit was the presentation of a plaque to the Governor in reaffirming his Grand Patronship of the union. The light presentation of the sound of trumpet by a journalist, Kadiri Christopher of the Edo State Council.
Present with the governor in receiving the guests were Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha (Chief of Staff), Mr Andrew Adaze Emwanta (Commissioner for Communication and Strategy) and Pastor Crusoe Osagie (Special Adviser on Media Project to the Governor).