By Ogochukwu Isioma
it was a tale of rotten equipment, lack of power or if you like, total darkness at first sight as Governor Monday Okpebholo paid an unscheduled visit to the Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS) in Benin City.
The governor was greeted with dilapidated equipment, damaged roofs, offices without doors, unkept premises and total abandonment by the outgone administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
However, there was an excitement as the Okpebholo promised that his administration will overhaul the State-owned media outfit, to enable it compete favourably with its counterparts across the globe.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the Governor who paid an unscheduled visit to the station was taken on a guided tour of the premises by its Managing Director, Sulaiman Aledeh, and other top management staff.
He was joined by top government functionaries to inspect facilities at EBS and road projects at Upper Mission extension by Aduwawa junction, Obadan Junction in Benin-Auchi Express Way, Upper Ekenwan road, among others.
During the visit, Okpebholo asked the management and staff to be professional in the discharge of their duties, telling them to be bold enough to criticize his administration if it is going in the wrong direction.
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 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 the 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,” Governor Okpebholo noted.
The EBS MD, SULAIMAN 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 a private concern that competes with every other media organization around the world.”
Governor Okpebholo said he will continue to monitor ongoing projects across the State with the aim of putting contractors on their toes to finish such projects before commencement of the rainy season.
The Governor emphasized 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 completion of the road.
“I am very much satisfied with the quality and pace of work so far,” he concluded.
