By: Titus Oise, Benin.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter, has commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for its historic live broadcast of the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B final between Edo Queens and Ampem Darkoa FC of Ghana in Burkina Faso.
SWAN, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Idahosa Moses, described the broadcast as a landmark achievement that demonstrated EBS’ growing capacity for professional and technologically driven sports broadcasting.
The association said EBS’ decision to beam the decisive continental encounter live made it the only television station in Nigeria to provide live coverage of the match, thereby placing Edo State in the national and continental spotlight.
SWAN also praised the Acting Managing Director of EBS and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, for what it described as his leadership and efforts to reposition the station.
According to the association, Alenkhe’s relatively short tenure at the helm of affairs of EBS has been marked by innovation, effective mobilisation of human resources and renewed emphasis on professionalism.
“Dr. Alenkhe’s stewardship represents a compelling testament to what purposeful leadership, intellectual capacity and professional competence can achieve within a remarkably short period,” SWAN said.
It added that the successful live broadcast of the prestigious continental fixture underscored the station’s commitment to innovation, creativity and technological advancement.
The association equally commended the Edo State Government for entrusting EBS to the leadership of Alenkhe, saying the decision was already producing visible results.
SWAN noted that with the right leadership, strategic direction and institutional support, a state-owned broadcasting organisation could compete effectively and attract attention beyond its immediate environment.
The association congratulated the management and staff of EBS on the feat and urged them to sustain the momentum by deepening innovation and professionalism.
SWAN expressed confidence that under Alenkhe’s leadership, EBS would continue to break new ground and strengthen its position in sports broadcasting and public service journalism.
