The Edo State Government (EDSG) reclaimed the state-owned Nigerian Observer Printing Press from Fountain Brook Publishing Limited on Friday, a move that marks a significant shift in the management of the facility, which had been under private consultation since 2022.
The initiative follows the prior decision by former Governor Godwin Obaseki to close The Observer newspaper on June 30, 2022, during which time the printing press was handed over to Fountain Brook for operational management. Subsequently, staff from The Observer were reassigned to the state’s Ministry of Information and Communication.
During the reclamation ceremony, Governor Monday Okpebholo directed former employees to return to work under a new management structure, with Mr. Sylvester Oboh appointed as the general manager. Oboh emphasized the historical significance of The Observer, stating, “Since 1968, The Observer has projected government policy thrust, served institutions, and informed the general public.”
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, praised Fountain Brook Publishing Limited and its head, Chike Madueke, for their cooperative transition process. He reiterated the essential role of The Observer, saying, “The primary mandate of The Observer was to print for the grassroots about happenings in government.”
Ohonbamu further expressed enthusiasm about the future, noting, “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.”
Chike Madueke, CEO of Fountain Brook Publishing Limited, affirmed that the decision to return the printing press was appropriate, acknowledging it as government property. The ceremony was attended by Chief Press Secretary to the Edo Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Communication.
