Edo govt reclaims printing press from consultants

Edo State Government (EDSG) on Friday reclaimed the state-owned Nigerian Observer Printing Press from Fountain Brook Publishing Limited, which managed the printing press since 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that former governor Godwin Obaseki had shut down the state-owned newspaper, The Observer, on June 30, 2022, and handed it over to Fountain Brooks Publishing Ltd as consultants.

The staff were subsequently redeployed to the state’s Ministry of Information and Communication.

The Governor, Monday Okpebholo, while reclaiming the printing press, directed the former staff to return to work under a new management team led Mr Sylvester Oboh as the general manager.

Oboh noted that since 1968, The Observer had projected government policy thrust, served institutions, and informed the general public.

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Paul Ohonbamu commended Fountain Brook Publishing Limited, led by Chike Madueke, for peacefully handi over the printing press to the state government.

He reiterated that the primary mandate of The Observer was to print for the grassroots about happenings in government.

“We need to provide the people with good news. We are excited to retrieve the printing press and strategize on training staff on its operations.

“We assure the people of Edo of quality news,” Ohonbamu said.

Chike Madueke, CEO of Fountain Brook Publishing Limited, stated that handing over the printing press to the state government was the right thing to do, as it was the government’s property.

Chief Press Secretary to the Edo Governor, Mr Fred Itua, and senior officials in the Ministry of Information and Communication witnessed the ceremony.