Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Tuesday inaugurated the rebranded Nigerian Observer building and an ultra modern Printing press center in Benin.
Speaking during the event, Obaseki noted that the new facility stood proudly on the ground where the Nigerian Observer began its journey 56 years ago, now transformed into a modern media hub.
Obaseki said that his vision followed the legacy of Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia, who established one of Nigeria’s most advanced printing houses 56 years ago.
“The high-quality printing machines we discovered here when we came into the Observer premises are a testament to the foresight of our leaders.
“This revitalised edifice celebrates Edo’s media heritage and demonstrates our commitment to positioning the state as a formidable media center.
“The Observer Hall of Fame, awarded here today, recognises Edo’s role as a nurturing ground for media excellence in Nigeria, ” he said.
The governor said that the Edo Printing Press Center had been equipped with modern equipment to meet diverse printing and publishing needs.
Obaseki explained that the expansion was aimed at generating revenue and securing the Observer newspaper’s sustainability in a challenging media landscape.
“Maximising this historic site, we’ve added the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub.
“This space promotes Edo’s creative economy, offering young talents opportunities to thrive within the state’s burgeoning arts and media ecosystem.
“Among its peers, the Observer stands resilient, a beacon of Edo’s journalistic heritage, ” he added.
He said that the printing press, equipped with three state-of-the art machines, would serve as a beacon of innovation and job creation for young Edo professionals.
According to him, we’re excited to announce that our printing machines can meet the South South regional printing industry’s demands, producing both newspapers and books with speed and precision.
The governor thanked the Ministry of Communication, the Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie and other technical partners who worked on reintroducing: The Observer.
Obaseki, at the event, honoured veteran journalists nurtured by the Nigerian Observer, who had excelled in spite of economic and political challenges since its establishment in 1968.
They include, Tony Iredia, former Director-General of the NTA, John Momoh, founder, Channels TV, Nduka Obaigbena, founder, Thisday newspaper and Arise TV and Sunny Irabor, veteran broadcaster.
Others are Frank Aigbogun, founder, Businessday newspaper, Nosa Igiebor, founder, TELL magazine and Ebenezer Abiodun Aloba, founding staff member of the Nigerian Observer.
