By Mercy Akuba
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has passed a unanimous vote of confidence on its Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, citing his purposeful, visionary and result-oriented leadership in advancing the union and promoting professionalism among journalists in the state.
The resolution was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s monthly Congress held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Benin City. The Congress, presided over by Comrade Alenkhe, was attended by journalists from the various chapels of the union across Edo State.
Congress commended the Edo State Governor, Senator 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, integrity, professionalism and years of dedicated service to journalism and public communication.
Members expressed confidence that Alenkhe would deploy his vast experience to reposition the broadcasting organisation for greater efficiency, professionalism and improved service delivery.
The Congress also condemned what it described as the cyberbullying, online harassment and malicious campaign allegedly orchestrated by one Timothy Osemwegie against the NUJ Chairman. It dismissed allegations of fraud circulated on social media as false, baseless and aimed at tarnishing Alenkhe’s hard-earned reputation.
The union called on security and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter with a view to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for spreading false information and engaging in character assassination. It reaffirmed its solidarity with Alenkhe and reiterated its confidence in his integrity and leadership.
On governance and infrastructure, Congress applauded Governor Okpebholo for ongoing developmental projects across Edo State, particularly the construction of two major flyovers in Benin City and the rehabilitation of roads across the three senatorial districts.
The union noted that improved road infrastructure remains critical to economic growth, public safety and ease of movement, while urging the state government to sustain the pace of development, ensure timely completion of ongoing projects and extend infrastructure to underserved communities.
Congress also commended the Edo State Government and security agencies for intensifying efforts to combat crime, particularly the swift arrest of suspects linked to the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road, Benin City.
While acknowledging the progress made in tackling insecurity, the union called for sustained security operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to curb kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
Furthermore, the Congress urged all eligible residents of Edo State to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise by registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The union also called on citizens to turn out peacefully and responsibly for the July 11, 2026 Local Government Elections, stressing that active participation in the electoral process remains essential for strengthening grassroots democracy, promoting accountability and ensuring good governance.