The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Edo State Governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, has reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to building a “New Edo” anchored on transparency, accountability and strong collaboration with the media to drive development across the state.
Dr Ebojele gave the assurance at a grand reception organised in his honour by Friends of the CPS on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Benin City. The event drew journalists, editors, publishers and media stakeholders from both traditional and digital platforms, signalling a renewed partnership between the Edo State Government and the media.
He said his core responsibility is to ensure journalists have unhindered access to accurate and timely information needed to effectively report the governor’s SHINE Agenda in an atmosphere of openness, professionalism and accountability.
“My assignment is simple: no propaganda, no noise. The achievements of this administration under the SHINE Agenda speak for themselves. Our duty is to communicate them clearly, truthfully and responsibly,” Ebojele said.
The CPS also pledged fairness and inclusiveness in government-media relations, urging journalists and publishers to eschew discrimination among platforms and strengthen collaboration across print, broadcast and online media.
“There should be unity in our profession. Whether print, broadcast or online, every journalist deserves respect and access. We must close communication gaps and work as one family,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ, Edo State Council, Dr Festus Alenkhe, urged the CPS to revive regular ministerial briefings, enhance transparency and consistently carry journalists along in government activities to curb speculation and misinformation.
He described the reception as more than a celebration, noting that it was a strategic engagement aimed at rebuilding trust between the Edo State Government and the media.
Speaking on behalf of the Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON), its President, Dr Adeniyi Ifetayo, congratulated Dr Ebojele, describing him as a seasoned communicator whose appointment came at a critical period in Edo State’s information management.
Represented by the SDNON Welfare Secretary, Iyabo Aina, alongside publishers Precious Eze, Victor Osehobo and Adebisi, Ifetayo said the organisation remains committed to ethical digital journalism, professionalism and constructive engagement with government.
Veteran journalist Tony Abolo also challenged the CPS to prioritise substance over propaganda, urging him to leverage his academic background and professional experience to raise the standard of government communication.
“People want news, not noise. This is an opportunity to build a system that is factual, credible and people-focused,” Abolo said.
The reception was chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and attended by past and present NUJ chairmen, including Mr Freeman Aghedo; the CPS to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; members of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN); and Mrs Ivy Ebojele, CPS to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and wife of the honouree.
Expressing appreciation, Dr Ebojele said the honour from the media community had strengthened his resolve to serve with integrity, openness and professionalism.
“This honour from the media family means a lot to me. It strengthens my resolve to serve with integrity, openness and professionalism,” he said, stressing that government communication under his leadership would be driven by facts rather than propaganda.
The event ended with the presentation of a portrait of Dr Ebojele by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Johnson Oghuma, goodwill messages, the ceremonial breaking of kolanuts and the cutting of a cake—symbolising what participants described as the dawn of a new era of open governance, stronger media partnership and deepened democracy in Edo State.
