Benin, Edo – In a swift reshuffle signaling a push for sharper media outreach, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has fired his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Fred Itua, and appointed Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick as his immediate replacement, effective immediately.

The announcement, issued late Thursday by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Musa Ikhilor, praised Dr. Ebojele as a "renowned journalist, public administrator, researcher, and lecturer" with a stellar track record in media, public affairs, and academia.

His career highlights include stints as Edo/Delta Correspondent for Channels Television, as well as correspondent roles at New Nigerian Newspaper, Champion Newspaper, and Comet Newspapers outlets that have long shaped public discourse in Nigeria's South-South region.

"Dr. Ebojele’s appointment reflects the commitment of the present administration to strengthen and deepen the communication channels between the Government and the people of Edo State, ensuring clarity, transparency, and effective dissemination of Government policies, programmes, and activities," the statement read, underscoring Okpebholo's administration's focus on bridging the gap between governance and the governed

Itua, who had served as CPS since the governor's transition, was not assigned a new role in the release but will "await a new reassignment to be communicated in due course."

The government extended its "appreciation to Mr. Itua for his contributions and service," a nod to his tenure amid the administration's early teething pains, including the high-profile Edo Assembly probe into predecessor Godwin Obaseki's projects.

Political observers view the move as part of Okpebholo's broader strategy to consolidate his All Progressives Congress (APC)-led team, injecting fresh voices into a communications machinery criticized for occasional opacity during the handover from Obaseki's People's Democratic Party (PDP) era.

Dr. Ebojele, a Benin native with deep roots in local journalism, is expected to hit the ground running, particularly as the state navigates fiscal audits and cultural heritage debates.

As Itua steps aside potentially eyeing a lateral shift within the civil service, Ebojele's debut briefing could set the tone for how Okpebholo's "Change Agenda" is packaged to Edo's 4.2 million residents.

In a state where media savvy can sway public sentiment, this swap might just be the reset button the governor needs to amplify his vision.