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The leadership of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties, CRPP, in Edo State has appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, to enrol all practising journalists in the state into the state’s Health Insurance scheme.
DAILY POST reports that the body said the call became necessary following the sudden death of Mr Adibe Austin Emenyonu, the State Correspondent of ThisDay newspaper on October 17, 2025, in Benin City.
A statement signed by Dr Samson Isibor, chairman, and C. Nkama, Secretary, respectively, said the appeal was because most journalists are working under strenuous conditions due to the high cost of living in the state.
Isibor, the chairman of the body, opined that it was a difficult task for journalists in the state, coupled with the economic downturn, for them and other citizens to purchase drugs and food items.
He also appealed to the Monday Okpebholo-led government to place the entire journalists registered with NUJ in the state on allowances to augment their meagre salaries.
He further appealed to Governor Okpebholo to do everything possible to reduce the high cost of living in the state.
CRPP chairman stressed that some years ago, the cost of living was manageable compared to now, where the cost of living has gone up astronomically as a result of a lack of purchasing power among the citizens of the country.
While commiserating with the leadership and members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ and the Correspondents’ Chapel, he, said the late Adibe Emenyonu was a versatile, fearless, coordinated, humble and easy-going journalist.
He assured that the group would be part of the burial ceremony.
“The CRPP enjoyed an unparalleled relationship with him. He is among the fearless pen merchants, who made us strong in Edo State politics and Nigeria in general.
“We, too, are mourning the loss of Adibe. This untimely death in the Fourth Estate of the Realm in the Edo State council is one too many in recent years.
“Our prayer is that Almighty God help us put a stop to this unexpected tragedy.
“We pray that Mr Adibe’s soul rests in perfect peace, and may God give the union and his entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“We thank God for his life. Rest in the bosom of God our creator. Please take heart colleagues, we are part of you”, he said.
Enroll practicing journalists in Edo in free Health Insurance- CRPP urges Gov Okpebholo
