Okpebholo Shocked by Decay at Edo Broadcasting Service, Orders Total Overhaul

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating condition of facilities at the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), pledging a comprehensive upgrade of the state-owned media outfit to position it among leading broadcast stations.

The governor made the commitment during an inspection tour of the EBS corporate headquarters in Benin City, where he assessed the condition of the station’s infrastructure and operational facilities.

Accompanied by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Musa Oshiorenua; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; and other senior government officials, Governor Okpebholo was conducted round the station by the Acting Managing Director of EBS, Mr. Festus Alenkhe.

Speaking with journalists after the tour, the governor described the state of the station as disturbing and unacceptable.

“Coming here this morning and being told that the transmitter is not working, I am in pain. But whatever the challenges are, we can make it work. The only people that can fix Edo State are the people of Edo themselves. It is only Edo that can build Edo,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed that plans were already underway to transform the station, revealing that designs for the redevelopment project had been completed and procurement processes were ongoing.

“There are already plans to rebuild this station. The designs have been made, and we are working on the procurement processes. When that is done, you will see a new face of EBS,” he stated.

The governor explained that his visit was prompted by reports surrounding the station’s challenges, including the resignation of the former Managing Director, who had been redeployed to head the Edo State Orientation Agency.

According to him, government had earlier approved funds for the purchase of a transmitter after management requested one, but was surprised to learn during the visit that the equipment had yet to be installed.

“This station has faced challenges for a long time. They requested a transmitter, and I provided the money for its purchase. I thought things were moving smoothly, but I discovered today that the transmitter has not been installed. We will ensure it becomes operational,” he said.

To address the station’s persistent power challenges, Governor Okpebholo announced plans to provide a solar mini-grid to guarantee uninterrupted broadcasting.

“We will solve the issue of power by providing a solar mini-grid for the station to ensure you remain on air at all times, even when there is no diesel or public electricity supply. This is the direction broadcasting stations around the world are taking,” he added.

In a move that drew applause from staff, the governor also approved the immediate provision of two operational buses to improve the mobility of journalists and reporters.

“You asked for a bus, but before the end of today, by the grace of God, we will send two buses to enable your staff move around effectively and carry out their duties,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence in the station’s workforce and urged them to leverage their experience to reposition EBS as a vibrant public broadcaster.

Earlier, Acting Managing Director of EBS, Mr. Festus Alenkhe, assured the governor that the station would continue to effectively project government programmes and developmental initiatives across the state.

He commended the administration for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and appealed for improved operational support to enable EBS expand its services.

“We want to assure you that when the necessary facilities are provided, EBS will operate a full 24-hour broadcast schedule. For now, we shut down at midnight, but with the assurances given today, we are optimistic of extending our operations to round-the-clock broadcasting,” Alenkhe said.

He also highlighted the station’s mobility challenges, noting that the lack of operational vehicles had limited the ability of journalists to cover projects and events across the state.

The governor’s visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the administration to assess critical public institutions and improve service delivery across sectors in Edo State.