EDSG takes over control of Observer printing press

From Tony Osauzo, Benin 

The Edo State Government, Friday, took full control of the Nigerian Observer printing press, whose management was ceded to consultants by the last administration.

The immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki had shut down the state-owned newspaper, The Observer, on June 30 2022, handing over its management to consultants and redeployed the staff to the Ministry of Information and Communication.

But, the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration has directed staff of the state-owned media outfit to return to work.

The state government went a step further to retrieve the printing press controlled by consultants and has handed over the same to the management team of The Observer led by its General Manager, Sylvester Oboh.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, directors from the Ministry of Information and Communication, were among top government officials who witnessed the handing over.

Hon. Ohonbamu said the event was important because the goal was achieved without any altercation, violence or fighting.

He commended the Fountain Brook Publishing Limited led by Chike Madueke for keeping to his words and handing over the printing press back to the Edo State Government.

“When I came on board, I said that the primary mandate of The Observer is to print, which is the dream of the founding fathers. The newspaper gets to the grassroots keeping the people abreast of happenings. We need to feed the people with good news,” he stated.

Mr. Madueke said the handover of the Observer Newspaper Printing Press back to the Edo State Government was the right thing to do, because it is the property of the government.