The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has lauded the foresight of ex-military administrator of the defunct Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States), late Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia for establishing the State-owned Nigerian Observer Newspaper in 1968.
Obaseki said the nation’s media space is being dominated by journalists who were nurtured by the Newspaper, adding that the individuals have respectively attained the zenith of their career
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday while commissioning the newly remodeled newspaper and ultra-modern Printing Press.
He expressed optimism that the State-of-the-art printing press would keep the newspaper afloat in many years.
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Obaseki noted that his administration’s priority was to make Edo a formidable media hub, adding, “the media space in Nigeria is being dominated by Edo people.
“This is because they were nurtured by the Nigerian Observer. And it’s not a coincidence.”
Continuing, the governor said, “you hear politicians usually say this is the first time… That’s not true. The vision of Ogbemudia 56 years ago brought about media advancement.
“Building on the back of people who rules the State before we came in, is a testament of how far we have come as a people,” he added.
Seven veteran journalists were on the occasion selected into the Nigerian Observer Hall of Fame.
The individuals include, former Director-General of NTA, Dr. Tony Iredia, Founder of Channels Television, Mr. Tony Momoh, Publisher of This Day Newspaper, Mr. Nduka Ogbaigbena and the Publisher of Business Day Newspaper, Mr. Frank Aigbogun.
Others are the Publisher of Tell Magazine, Mr. Nosa Igiebor, Ace Broadcaster, Mr. Sunny Erhabor and the pioneer Editor of Nigerian Observer Newspaper, late Ebenezer Abiodun Aloba who was posthumously honored.
Other projects commissioned by the Governor include the ultra modern Edo State Agriculture Hub, which the said if effectively put to use is capable of reducing food production in the state and the country at large.
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