Edo SSG commends media’s role in national development

The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has commended the role of the media in national development, urging the state media outfits to help propagate government policies and programmes
Speaking during a familiarization tour of media parastatals under the state Ministry of Information – Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, publishers of The Nigerian Observer; and the Edo Broadcasting Service, Ihonvbere said: “We are happy with the efforts you are making here.
“We want to help you improve your strength where you are doing well and minimise your weakness.”
The SSG, who was conducted round the equipment and facilities at the Nigerian Observer, expressed shock at what he saw on ground.
He noted that government would critically look at ways to revive the organisation just as he enjoined the management to explore other avenues to generate revenue.
He said: “There has to be some kind of emergency approach to resuscitate The Observer, make it viable and capable of making profit.”
The Acting General Manager of The Nigerian Observer, Mr. Monday Aigbe, drew the attention of the SSG to the problems confronting the organisation, which, principally, include inadequate staff and obsolete equipment.
Aigbe appealed to the state government to consider the employment of about 41 casual workers in the establishment into the public service to boost the existing staff strength, just as he requested for a modern printing machine, newsprint and other consumables.
At the Edo Broadcasting Service, the SSG also promised that the state government would look into the issues raised by the GM, most importantly the resumption of installation works on the new digital transmitters.
Ihonvbere said: “EBS is important to us.
“Our goal is to make it second to none in this state.
“In the interim, we understand the challenges you are facing, we will render necessary assistance so that everyone one can reach higher level of productivity.
“Think outside the box and see how you can expand your horizon.
The Acting General Manager, EBS, Mrs. Sidi Igio, expressed appreciation at the visit.
Igio said: “If we can be funded and adequately equipped, I assure you that the IGR will be increased easily.”