News

‘I’m Journalism Ambassador,’ Says Shaibu As He Commissions Edo NUJ Correspondents Chapel’s Secretariat

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2023

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described himself as an ambassador of the journalism profession, saying if not for journalists he would have been dead and forgotten.

He, therefore, vowed to “do everything and anything for the growth of journalism and journalists anywhere I am.”

Shaibu, who made these assertions at the commissioning of the secretariat of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council, reiterated his commitment to the growth of the journalism profession anywhere, anytime.

Dignitries who attended the commissioning ceremony include: Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor represented by Dr. Uzoya Okuogbosun; Senator Matthew Urhoghide represented by Mr. Paul Nobore; Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Chairman, NUJ, Edo State council; Mr. Femi Johnson, Zonal Director, Nigerian Television Authority among others.

“I want to identify with you and to say that I am your member; I am a member, and I will always do everything and anything for the growth of journalism and journalists anywhere I am.

“I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life in the cause of doing your work.

“I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today if I am not alive. A journalist that could investigate and write a report, saved my life in the hands of the the military.

“So, you can see why anytime you invite me, even if it is difficult, I must show up. Because, that is the only way I can appreciate you and show that whatever you are doing, you should keep it up,” he said.

Shaibu who is aspiring to be the next governor of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), boasted that he had made several sacrifices to make sure things work in Edo, just as he expressed his determination to make sure Edo becomes first.

Shaibu said: “I am determined to make sure that good governance is seen, felt and touched.

“I am also determined to make sure that in all things, Edo must be first, and I am determined to strengthening institutions.

“I came into politics because I felt that we should have an egalitarian society. I came into politics to make institutions stronger, because that is the only way we can have that society of our dream.

“Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I am standing for, that is my calling to joining politics.

“That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure the institution works.

“I even sacrificed my personal entitlement to make sure this institution works, and in the coming weeks I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date.”

His his brief speech, the Chairman, Edo NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, while reiterating the council’s support to the chapel, declared that Edo NUJ remains an indivisible body.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Chairperson, Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Mrs Nefishetu Yakubu, said the decision to move to the new secretariat was fuelled by the need for a more spacious and serene environment, especially for “our members who are duly accredited journalists working in national newspapers with head offices outside Edo State.”

While noting that the new secretariat is not an alternative to the Edo NUJ Press Centre, which is home to all journalists, Mrs. Yakubu said the new secretariat “merely symbolises our commitment to providing a comfortable and productive workspace for our members.”

“It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of excellence,” she added.

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.