Clément Adéoti Adéchian has been elected president of Benin's National Council of Press and Audiovisual Patrons (CNPA) for a five-year term. He was chosen during the council's elective general assembly on September 25, 2026. Adéchian, from Informateur, ESAE TV, and ESAE Radio, takes over from Seth Évariste Hodonou. The new council comprises 19 members, including four vice-presidents and a secretary general. Adéchian has vowed to prioritize the economic viability of press enterprises.
The new council's composition was announced after the assembly. Léonce Gamaï Davodoun, co-founder and manager of Banouto, has been appointed secretary general. He will be assisted by Olivier Houénou from Leader du Jour as deputy secretary general for legal affairs. The council also includes vice-presidents for commercial radios, print media and new media, community radios, and television. These positions are held by Carlos Maurille, Chérif Riwanou, Richard Fassinou, and Berth Messanh, respectively.
Adéchian has expressed his commitment to enabling press patrons to feel like enterprise owners. He emphasized that his goal is not to make promises but to ensure the economic viability of press enterprises. The new council will focus on strengthening these enterprises and adapting them to the sector's transformations, particularly those related to digital technology. Adéchian has also acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing team.
The council's new members were chosen to represent various sectors of Benin's media landscape. The appointees include Sébastien Guidi as treasurer general and Edouard Sossouguah as deputy treasurer general. Other key positions include Sylvestre Sossou as secretary for organization and Ayouba Adamou as his deputy. Maliki Laleye has been appointed secretary for training, with Paul Danongbe as his deputy.
The council also includes representatives for communication, TIC, and social affairs. Malfrick Djeklounon has been appointed secretary for communication and public relations, with Leonel Ebo as his deputy. Raoul Hounsounou will oversee TIC and digital affairs, assisted by Abdoulaye Bombouya. Aurore Saïzonou has been appointed secretary for social affairs, with Jean Paul Ibikounle as her deputy.
The new council's priorities will focus on supporting Benin's press enterprises. Adéchian's leadership aims to address the challenges facing these enterprises and help them adapt to the evolving media landscape. The council's work will be crucial in shaping the future of Benin's media sector.
The CNPA plays a vital role in promoting a free and independent press in Benin. With Adéchian at the helm, the council is expected to work closely with media stakeholders to foster a more sustainable and vibrant media environment. The new council's initiatives will be closely watched by Benin's media community and international observers.
Key points
- Clément Adéchian elected CNPA president to prioritize press enterprise viability
- New council includes 19 members with diverse backgrounds and expertise
- Council to focus on adapting to digital transformations and strengthening press enterprises
