Festus Alenkhe Biography: Career, Education, Journalism and EBS

Festus Alenkhe is a Nigerian journalist and veteran broadcaster from Edo State who has built a career around broadcasting, crime reporting, journalism and public service.

He is popularly known for his work with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), where he spent more than two decades and became recognized for his crime-reporting programs. In September 2026, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed him as the substantive Managing Director of EBS after he had served as the station’s Acting Managing Director.

Early life and education

Alenkhe was born into the Alenkhe family of Okhuesan Community in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Alenkhe began his primary education at Arinze Primary School in Benin City before attending Niger College and later Utoka Grammar School in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, where he obtained his West African School Certificate.

He subsequently attended the College of Education, Ekiadolor, where he studied English/Linguistics and obtained a National Certificate in Education.

He later studied International Studies and Diplomacy at the University of Benin, earning a bachelor’s degree. He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja. Another published profile lists him as holding a diploma in Broadcast Journalism.

Journalism and broadcasting career

Alenkhe’s career has largely been associated with broadcasting and journalism in Edo State.

At EBS, he became known for crime reporting and for programs including Crime Watch and Crime Alert. A 2021 report by Independent Newspaper described him as a crime reporter with EBS and noted that his Crime Watch programme had earned public recognition in Benin City.

His reporting career has also taken him outside Nigeria. A profile published in 2024 stated that his investigative assignments took him to countries including Austria, Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

One of the reports associated with his international journalism involved the assassination of former United States President John F. Kennedy, including a visit to the location in Dallas, Texas, where Kennedy was killed.

Leadership roles

Beyond journalism, Alenkhe has held several leadership positions.

He served as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council. In December 2021, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki congratulated him after he emerged chairman of the state NUJ council.

Alenkhe has also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Edo State Branch. In 2017, he led the Edo Red Cross delegation that met with Governor Obaseki over the organisation’s emergency response activities in the state.

A published profile also lists previous leadership positions including Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State Council, as well as student leadership positions during his time at the College of Education, Ekiadolor.

Festus Alenkhe and EBS

Alenkhe’s relationship with EBS spans more than 20 years, according to a September 2026 statement by the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Before becoming the substantive Managing Director, he served as Acting Managing Director of the station.

During his period as acting head, the Edo NLC credited EBS with increasing live coverage of events and expanding the presence of its reporters beyond Edo State. The union specifically cited live broadcasts from Lagos and Abuja, as well as coverage of major events.

His appointment as substantive Managing Director was subsequently approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo. The appointment took immediate effect and was announced by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, on September 21, 2026.

Festus Alenkhe’s work in crime reporting

Crime reporting has been one of the defining parts of Alenkhe’s journalism career.

His work on Crime Watch earned him recognition from individuals and organisations in Edo State. In 2021, a Benin-based lawyer organised a civic reception in his honour, describing the programme as influential in raising awareness about crime and its consequences.

His journalism has therefore combined traditional broadcasting with investigative and crime-focused reporting, making him a familiar figure among television and radio audiences in Edo State.

Books and other interests

A 2024 profile identifies Alenkhe as the author of Crime Watch – A Security Mirror of the Nigerian Society, a book connected to his long-running interest in crime reporting and public safety.

The same profile describes him as a sports enthusiast and news commentator and lists several professional and civic recognitions associated with his career.

Festus Alenkhe’s new appointment

With his appointment as the substantive Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service in September 2026, Alenkhe has moved from his long career as a broadcaster and journalist into the top management position at the state-owned station.

His appointment follows his period as acting managing director and gives him responsibility for leading EBS and overseeing its broadcasting operations.

For Edo State, the appointment also marks another stage in the career of a journalist who has spent decades working in broadcasting, particularly in crime reporting and news production.