The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has urged the Edo State Government to intensify efforts toward creating a more conducive environment for private investment, describing the private sector as a critical driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
This call was made during an emergency congress held at the NUJ Secretariat in GRA, Benin City, where journalists from all sixteen chapels gathered to deliberate on pressing issues, including the lingering power outage at the NUJ Press Centre.
In a communiqué signed by NUJ Chairman, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, the union stressed the importance of attracting and retaining investors in Edo State, noting that consistent investment-friendly policies would stimulate job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic growth.
“The congress urges the Edo State Government to create an enabling environment for more private investors to do business,” the communiqué stated.
The NUJ also commended the government for its ongoing infrastructural projects, particularly the Ramat Park Flyover and the reconstruction of the Oba Market destroyed by fire. The union, however, appealed to contractors handling the flyover to expedite work for the benefit of road users and businesses.
Reaffirming its support for Ossiomo Power Plant—a private provider that has supplied electricity to the NUJ Press Centre for the past three years—the council emphasized the value of private sector participation in delivering critical services where public supply is lacking.
On security, the congress condemned the killing of eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in a recent attack on the BUA Cement factory in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, and called on the government to strengthen security across the state.
The NUJ further extended warm felicitations to the Esama of Benin Kingdom and Grand Patron of the union, Sir Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, on his 91st birthday, applauding his enduring contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s media industry.
