Comrade Titus Akhigbe(Team Player) is the current Secretary to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree(English Language) from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State; a Post Graduate Diploma, in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism. IIJ, Abuja. He works with the Daily Times of Nigeria.
On his mission as the Chairman of the council, he has this to say:
“I am a man that has integrity, I advise that for the betterment and growth of the Edo State Council of the NUJ, the 2021 election should not be sacrificed on the altar of tribal sentiment but merit.
“Having practiced the journalism profession for over 20 years, having been a member of the NUJ for over 20 years, and having traveled to 35 States’ Councils of the NUJ while serving as the Secretary to the Edo State Council for Six years, I know what the members of our Council are lacking and what they need and deserve.
“This is why our Manifesto is titled, changing
the narrative for the better.
“My dear respected Comrades, the key to getting what we are lacking in our Council, is my election.
“If elected as the Chairman of the Edo State Council, my EXCO and I will work closely with creative minds within the Council to initiate programs and collaborate with key stakeholders locally and internationally to empower our members to mitigate untimely deaths, live healthy lives and create wealth for themselves.
” We will foster a new bond of unity and improve comradeship in the Edo State Council
“As part of the provision of welfare for our members, there will be a provision of an estate for members of our Council to be called The Edo State Journalists Village. Our members will be given portions of land that can at least take a three-bedroom flat. Just for a token. This land will be donated to our Council through my network of connections. The process has begun and I have already placed the request before the proposed donor of thelarge expanse of land in Benin City.
“There will be an improved security architecture at the Press Centre. There will be the provision of a high fence on the entire Council’s land, especially at the back. This will be executed for us by some of our partners whom I have already spoken with, concerning the project.
“Regular training and capacity building of our members on various aspects of modern journalism, as well as provision of working tools for them, for optimal performance. This will be possible through partnerships with capable organizations and some individuals.
” There will be an improvement in the relationship between the State Council and the Edo State Government, as we will provide support in the area of propagating its Govt. policies. There will be an improvement in the sanitation of the press center.
“Our administration will build a befitting guest house of about 50 rooms at the Press Centre complex. This project will be a source of revenue for our Council. Again we are to go into partnership with some organizations to archive this.
“I am, Secretary of the council, I am not the Chairman, the only time I was chairman was when I was chairman of Correspondent Chapel, and what I did is still there, and is still being talked about today. When I become chairman I will repeat it.
“Because as it were now, we have no NUJ in Edo because the council Is being ruined by somebody who works for a state-owned media. The state government tells us what to do. And whatever the chairman wants, I can’t say no.
When I become chairman I will restore the lost glory within six months. I am very very sure that when I emerge I will bring back the lost glory. We can not continue like this, the government is not patronizing us. Governor Godwin Obaseki is a very good man, I will not fight him when I emerge as chairman, but those around him, those handling his media unit have not been fair to journalists.”
