By Simeon OSAJIE
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has called on the Edo State Government to strengthen efforts in initiating a more conducive environment for private investment, describing private sector participation as a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development in the state.
This appeal was made during an emergency congress of the union held at the NUJ Secretariat at No. 1, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion Way, GRA, Benin, where journalists from all sixteen chapels of the union gathered to deliberate on pressing issues, including the ongoing power outage at the NUJ Oba Oguola Press Centre.
In a communique issued at the end of the congress and signed by State Chairman, Comrade (Dr.) Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon, the union emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining private investors in Edo, noting that steady investment-friendly policies would not only boost the state’s economy but also increase job creation and infrastructure development.
The communique read in part,
“The congress urges the Edo State Government to create an enabling environment for more private investors to do business,
“The NUJ also commended the Edo State government for its ongoing infrastructural projects, particularly highlighting the Ramat Park Flyover and the rebuilding of the Oba Market destroyed by fire.
“The union also called on contractors handling the flyover to expedite work and ensure timely delivery of the project for the benefit of road users and businesses.
“The congress further reaffirmed its support for Ossiomo Power Plant, a private power provider that has supplied electricity to the NUJ Press Centre for the past three years.
“The union’s decision to remain with Ossiomo underscores its trust in the capacity of private sector operators to deliver critical services where public supply falls short.”
In a related development, the Union 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 state government to strengthen security across the state.
The Union also extended warm congratulations to Sir Chief (Dr) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom and Grand Patron of the State NUJ, on his 91st birthday, recognizing his enduring contributions to the growth of the media industry in Nigeria.