By Saviour Alabi Jimoh/Caleb Ehioba
PENULTIMATE week, The Reliance Newspaper with headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, celebrated its 16th year anniversary with fanfare at the ultramodern hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.
The event attracted a high calibre of dignitaries both within and outside Edo State, including Hon. Barr. Pascal Ugbomhe, former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Bishop Dr. Osadolor Anthony Ochei, JP, Executive Director, Peoples Defender Advocate and Chairman, Board of Trustee, Association of Patent And Proprietary Medicine Vendors Inc., Hon. Dr. Isaiah Osifo, Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for the forthcoming Edo state governorship election.
Others are Mrs. Emehionola Philomena Esq., Comptroller of Correctional Service, Edo state Command, Mr Ikechukwu Oha, Asst. Director News, NTA Benin Representing the Zonal Director Mrs. Phil Obanor, Comrade Dr. Omorodion Oregbe, the State Coordinator of ANNEWATT, Edo state, Rev. Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Rev Minister Igharo, the CEO/MD, Great Grace Nig. LTD, Mrs Josephine Duze, Head of Revenue Department, Hon. Efe Idalo, Representing Hon. Amb. Collins Osamede Ogbewe, the Executive Chairman of Ovia North East LGA.
Others included Ehigie Michael Ojemuekpen, Managing Director of Microlux Industrial and Chemical Company Ltd and Manufacturer of Microlux Paint and Microlux Table Water, Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Dr. Eric Osayande, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo, the commissioner for Energy, Edo State, Mr. Enaholo Ojiefo, HOS of Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Dr. Kessington Osifo, a highly respected civil rights activist, Comrade Osazee Edigin, amongst others.
Addressing the guests, Comrade Sir Ralph Okhiria, the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of The RELIANCE Newspaper, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the guests for honoring his invitation.
He disclosed that the 16th anniversary celebration of the newspaper event was divided into two: anniversary lecture on “Democracy in Africa : The Roles of Moneybags in the Nigerian Politics and presentation of merit award to some deserving awardees as a away to appreciating those who have contributed positively to the development and wellbeing of people in Edo state and the country at large.
Sir Ralph Okhiria also said the Newspaper has maintained consistency in its editorial content, dishing out factual and unbiased news to its teeming readers in its coverage areas including Edo and Delta States, respectively, nothing that its online platform www.thereliancenewspaper.com.ng was a new addition to the stable of The RELIANCE Newspaper company.
Delivery the anniversary’s annual lecture, Dr. Isaiah Osifo, the APGA Governorship Candidate in the 2024 governorship election, extensively and intensively spoke on DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA: THE ROLES OF MONEYBAGS IN THE NIGERIAN POLITICS.
Dr. Osifo said, the title for the lecture has a special resonance in view of the ongoing preparations for the Governorship election in Edo State, saying that there is no doubt that it is a further demonstration of commitment of the Publisher of The RELIANCE Newspaper, Sir Ralph Okhiria to the development of Edo state in particular and Nigeria in general.
“This demonstrate patriotism and sensitivity on the part of the publisher and the management of the newspaper. Also the choice of the topic, it is evident they are not only in the business to sell news and make money, they equally have the responsibility to contribute to a society that will be fair to all.”
Dealing on the topic proper, the guest speaker said cash and carry Democracy will eventually slide into authoritarian regime or degenerate into a revolution if the alienation of the citizens continues unchecked.
Isaiah Osifo, a former two-time chairman of the of Uhunwode local government council and chief of staff to Edo state governor, Prof. Oserheimen, further stressed that moneybags are in politics for business to make profit, not for service.
“The citizens must know and be vigilant to identify those that are in politics for service and those that are in politics to take the resources of the State for their personal use. A people or an organization that places emphasis on money, over good character is bound to fail.
“Cash and carry Democracy will eventually slide into authoritarian regime or degenerate into a revolution if the alienation of the citizens continues unchecked”.
He equally make a Clarion call to citizens of Edo state in particular and Nigeria in general, to know and be vigilant to identify those that are in politics to take resources of the State for their personal use.
The 16th years of uninterrupted publication made room for rewarding some deserving Nigerians who have made remarkable contributions in the development of Edo state and the society at large with merit awards.
To God be the glory.
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