Edo NUJ Complex Stays As Government Denies Planned Demolition

By Ayodele Oni

It is a rumour and it has been dispelled that Edo state government is planning to demolish the building housing the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) in Benin City.

The two storey building is located at the Government Reserved Area, (GRA) with facilities such as chalets, restaurants and bar.

In a press release signed by Chris Osa Nehikhare ,the Edo state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation stated that “government is aware of an unfortunate and highly misinforming report” issued by the Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists titled: OBASEKI PLAN TO MAKE EDO JOURNALISTS HOMELESS but that there is neither such a plan to demolish the NUJ building nor build a museum on the NUJ site.

Mr Chris Nehikhare explained that Edo state government is doing some initial survey and study work in connection with the preservation and protection of the walls and moats, which necessitated the visit to the premises of the NUJ.

He said that the NUJ site borders some of the most visible sections of the walls and moats in the city, and archaeologists and specialist architects have visited areas around the moats with a view to determining how best to assist National Commission of Museums and Monuments with the preservation of the moats.

The commissioner, who also stated that the ancient walls and moats of Benin are one of the greatest achievements of medieval Africa, maintained that this explains why the Governor Godwin Obaseki led administration is only interested in improving the systems of heritage management which has suffered significantly in recent times due to environmental pressures, urban growth and encroachment .

According to the commissioner, government is working with some institutions who are vested and interested in improving our systems of heritage management.

“They  are currently developing a comprehensive programme of research, conservation management and public education centred on these monuments, with the goal being to find ways to protect moats and walls, and also to consider ways to highlight the moats to encourage tourism and accessibility.”

While stating that media practitioners in Edo state have not only enjoyed a cordial working relationship with Edo State government, Mr Nehikhare maintained that they have also enjoyed an unfettered rein of reportage and in line with government’s tradition of presenting the facts of all matters for public scrutiny and understanding.

“The EDSG is compelled to inform the general public of Government’s well-intentioned and very deliberate action in its drive to create a tourism market in the state.”

Mr  Nehikhare who disclosed that the government has over the years enjoyed objective reportage of all its activities, enjoined Journalists to remain objective in all matters without sentiments.