COMRADE DR. FESTUS ALENKHE, JP – A MAN TO FOLLOW, A LEADER TO BEHOLD
_By Deacon Famous Osamudiamen Iguisi_
There are men who occupy positions, and there are men who define positions. Comrade Festus Alenkhe, JP, belongs to the latter class. In the crowded field of leadership, he stands out as a quintessential Fourth Estate colossus, a man whose sojourn in every sphere has left indelible footprints of service without blemish.
As John C. Maxwell rightly posited, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This captures the essence of Festus Alenkhe.
To understand the man, one must interrogate his antecedents. Alenkhe is not a product of happenstance; he is a product of process, preparedness and providence.
He mobilized the youth constituency and gave voice to the voiceless, championing youth inclusiveness in governance long before it became fashionable.
He demonstrated humanitarianism at its peak, showing that leadership is service to humanity. It is on record that he even facilitated the release of inmates from Oko Correctional Centre, paying fines for indigent inmates who are not even from Edo State – a testament to his detribalized nature.
Twice elected through consensus and harmonization, a rare feat in union politics. Under his watch, the Edo NUJ witnessed unprecedented transformation – enhanced welfare advocacy, training and retraining of journalists, press freedom advocacy, and institutional transparency. He advocated for Weigh-in Allowance for media workers, recognizing the peculiarity of the journalism profession.
For over two decades as a crime watchdog at Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), his investigative programme, _Crime Watch_, became a household name, earning him national and international accolades. He is a thoroughbred professional who rose through the ranks.
It was therefore not surprising that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, in his wisdom, first appointed him as Acting Managing Director, and now confirmed him as the Substantive Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). Since assumption of office, EBS has experienced what stakeholders describe as “Renewed Vibrancy” – return to terrestrial television, live outside broadcasts from Lagos, Abuja and across Edo, improved signal strength, and historic live coverage such as the funeral of Archbishop Akubeze and the CAF Women’s Champions League.
As the Edo NLC and SWAN have affirmed, his appointment is “a reward for hard work, competence and years of dedicated service.”
Festus Alenkhe is a man of character, calculative, humane and wise. Anyone who has worked closely with Comrade Alenkhe will attest to one fact: No one works with him and regrets it.
He is a man that is very calculative and careful when dealing with men – not out of fear, but out of wisdom. As the Holy Writ says, he is “wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.” He listens. He consults. He takes counsel from the learned. This is why former American President Abraham Lincoln’s quote fits him: “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.”
He is a man of uncommon humility despite his towering achievements. He does not operate with a bloated ego; he operates with an open door.
Yesterday, 27th October, 2026, Comrade Alenkhe led members of the Edo NUJ on a courtesy and thank-you visit to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo at Government House, Benin City, for appointing him as the substantive Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS).
In a moment that captured the mood of the State, Governor Okpebholo eulogized journalists and singled out Alenkhe for commendation. The Governor described journalists as critical partners who fought for Nigeria’s democracy, unity and peace, and hailed the transformation at EBS, vowing to reposition EBS to compete with Channels and TVC. It was a public affirmation of private competence.
From all indications, Festus Alenkhe may venture into partisan politics in no distant time. And why not? The nation needs men who have been tested and trusted.
Like the great Nnamdi Azikiwe who used journalism as a springboard for nationalism, like Chief M.K.O. Abiola who understood the power of the people, and like Dele Giwa who believed journalism is for truth and justice, Alenkhe has discovered himself – that he carries enormous charisma, institutional memory and the grace of God to go places.
He is not taking chances because, as Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”. He has examined his path and found a mission and vision to fulfil.
Today, many have chosen to follow him because followership is not forced; it is earned. People follow a man who has a clear compass.
In a country where trust is scarce, Festus Alenkhe has been proven as a trustworthy personality of inestimable value. He has been tested in Youth leadership, humanitarian service, unionism, and now executive management of a strategic state asset – and in all, he made a mark.
As Chinua Achebe wrote, “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.”. Alenkhe has refused to be compromised.
He is indeed ‘A MAN TO FOLLOW, A MAN TO LOOK OUT FOR’.
He is the kind of leader our society needs to navigate us to a better place for everyone to live in.
