Gov Okpebholo Moves to Revamp EBS, Promises World-Class Broadcasting Facility

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to transform the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) into a world-class media institution after expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of the state-owned broadcaster.

During an inspection visit to the EBS headquarters in Aduwawa, Benin City, the Governor said he was deeply troubled by what he found, including an overgrown premises, an uninstalled transmitter purchased by his administration in November 2025, and broadcast facilities operating under poor and unsafe conditions.

“I am in pain to see this, but I did not come here to complain. I came to fix it,” Governor Okpebholo told journalists after touring the facility.

The Governor announced immediate and long-term measures to restore the station, revealing that architectural designs for a complete reconstruction of the facility had already been completed and procurement processes were being accelerated to commence work.

As part of efforts to improve operations, he pledged to install solar power systems to guarantee uninterrupted broadcasting and address the persistent electricity challenges affecting the station’s performance.

Governor Okpebholo also directed that two operational vehicles be delivered to EBS to enhance news gathering and coverage of government activities and projects across the state.

“The transmitter my administration purchased will work. We will solve the power problem. We will provide the mobility you need. And we will rebuild this station,” he assured.

The Governor emphasized that rebuilding EBS aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of strengthening institutions and infrastructure across Edo State.

“It is only Edo that can build Edo,” he said, calling on citizens to support efforts aimed at repositioning critical state institutions.

Acting Managing Director of EBS, Festus Alenkhe, welcomed the Governor’s intervention and expressed confidence that the station would effectively project the achievements and development programmes of the state government.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for prioritizing staff welfare through the regular payment of salaries, which he said had boosted morale among workers. Alenkhe also appealed for the speedy installation of the station’s transmitter to enhance broadcast quality and reach.

The Governor was accompanied on the inspection by Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Musa; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; and other senior government officials. The visit followed the recent leadership changes at the broadcasting corporation.