Shaibu Commissions New GT Plaza Outlet At NUJ Premises

….Charges Journalists to balance reports for sake of unification

By Simeon OSAJIE

Deputy Governor of Edo State Comrade Philip Shaibu, has charged journalists to do more of investigating journalism and always balance their reports for the sake of unifying of Nigeria and also called on the media to downplay kidnappers activities and ransoms being paid by their victims, “media continues given publicity to the activities of kidnappers is making some of our citizens to think otherwise.”

Comrade Philip Shaibu gave the advice yesterday 3rd of June, 2022 during the official commissioning of the new outlet of Glad Ridings otherwise known as “GT Plaza” located at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council Secretariat.

He congratulated the achievements recorded in short space of five months by the new executive of Edo NUJ ably led by Comrade Festus Alenkhe for bringing life to Edo State NUJ secretariat. “If not for journalists, by now, I would have long be forgotten, nobody could have thought who is Comrade Philip Shaibu, because one of your colleagues played an important role for my release during my days in the school.  So, I will remain grateful to the pen pushers, I will for life be grateful to journalists and will continue to partner with the media. 

He thanked the Managing Director GT Plaza, Elder Pius Omofonmwan for his contributions towards the development of Edo State. “Your business expansion across the nooks and crannies of the state is a testimony to the fact that Edo State is secured for business to strive.

“Government need people like you, and will continue to encourage other to come to Edo State to do business of their choice; we need champion leaders who don’t only think of themself  alone but for the wellbeing and for the good of the people. Government alone cannot fix our country, together we can fix Nigeria,” he admojiahed.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director GT Plaza, Elder Pius Omofonmwan thanked Edo State deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu for finding time out of his time scheduled to commission the NUJ GT Plaza Outlet.

“Our Deputy Governor Sir, I am very honoured to have you here. You beat me to my earlier belief that you will not be able to come for the commissioning when Festus Alenkhe told me you promised to come. Oga, God bless you and prosper you,” he declared.

Going further, the GT boss said Edo State NUJ under the leadership of Comrade Festus Alenkhe is doing marvellously well, “I saw myself as part of NUJ” and I want to appreciate the chairman and his exco for releasing the space for GT Plaza to establish the eateries.

Earlier in his opening address, Chairman of the Union, Comrade Festus Alenkhe thanked Edo State government for its support towards the development of the union’s secretariat and that of the deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu who is always available when Edo State NUJ keep knocking.

“Your Excellency sir, we will remain grateful to you and I want to remain you sir and appeal on behalf of the Union to make up your promised during your host of Edo journalists last year December 22 to help develop our space behind the secretariat.”

Side attraction during the opening ceremony was NUJ Musical Band rendered melodious songs to the delights of the deputy governor, the Managing Director GT Plaza and others.  At the end, Elder Pius Omofonmwan made a donation of N250,000 to the music band while the deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu promised to support with the sum of N250,000.