December 06, (THEWILL) – Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to revamp the Edo Broadcasting Service to position it as a globally competitive media organization.
The governor made this commitment during an inspection tour of EBS facilities and several road projects in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Accompanied by top government officials, Okpebholo visited EBS’s premises and key road projects, including Upper Mission Extension, Aduwawa Junction, Obadan Junction along Benin-Auchi Expressway, and Upper Ekenwan Road.
At EBS, the governor, who was received by the station’s Managing Director, Suleiman Aledeh, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of infrastructure and pledged to address challenges, including epileptic power supply, lack of a proper studio, and deteriorating access roads.
He said his administration will source for other alternatives for electricity supply, including opting for solar energy or the purchase of generators, as the station is presently experiencing epileptic power supply
“You outlined your problems to me, and today I am here to see the challenges facing the station myself. I have seen the challenges facing the station. No electricity, bad roads, and many more. We will look at how to solve the problems.
“The problem here must be solved. This is Edo State government property and the property of Edo people. The station must have equal rights like other property of the state government. It renders services to Edo people.
“Coming here today, the road is in bad shape, and this is not acceptable. I have seen for myself. You don’t have a studio. It is either we rebuild or renovate it.
“I will call the MD of the OSSIMO power plant because I know you pay for the services rendered to you and if he is not ready, we will look for a reliable energy source to power the station.
“We will look at solar power systems and also consider giving you brand-new generators. We want the station to keep running 24 hours a day. Just as I told you in secret, I am telling you now in the open to criticize me when I am going wrong because I am here to serve Edo people,” Okpebholo noted.
On his part, the EBS MD, Suleiman Aledeh, who welcomed the Governor to the premises of the State-owned media organization, said the station faces several challenges that the Governor is capable of solving.
“You gave us the mandate to drive the station not as a government mouthpiece but as a private company that competes with every other media organisation around the world,” he said.
On the ongoing road projects, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring contractors meet deadlines, particularly before the rainy season.
Okpebholo assured Edo residents that his government remains committed to practical governance and delivering the dividends of democracy, emphasising that the projects are part of his broader vision to enhance the state’s infrastructure and public services.
The governor noted that his administration is ready for practical governance, ensuring Edo people enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He added that with the level and quality of work done so far, his administration will achieve its target within the next two weeks.
“With continuous monitoring, we are getting results. You can see the volume of work being done here at the Obadan Junction Benin-Auchi Express Way. I believe that between now and two weeks, the desired goal will be achieved. We believe that people will start using this road before Christmas as the contractor is doing his best to ensure the completion of the road. I am very much satisfied with the quality and pace of work so far”, he said.
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