Federal Government wants media professionals to partner it in delivery of good governance by projecting its people oriented policies and programmes.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris made the call in Lagos, at the Second edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information who was represented by the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama said the current administration has a lot in stock to better the lives of Nigerians and build a brighter future but all can only be known and appreciated if journalists publicize them.
He listed some of such programmes to include the 75 billion Naira fund to support businesses.
Alhaji Idris encouraged media professionals to engage in constructive criticisms and constantly remind leaders of their electoral promises.
“As Government, we need you, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and the press as a whole, more than ever before. Hold us accountable for what we promise and what we do, but also help us in this collective task of building a Nigeria that works for each and every one of its two hundred million citizens.
“Continually remind us of our pledges and promises, and even our shortcomings, while also applying the same energy towards amplifying and communicating the programs and policies we are putting in place to transform Nigeria.
“And there is indeed a lot to cover in that regard, from our painful but inevitable and ultimately beneficial reforms around the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange, to our social welfare expansion efforts, MSME support programs, tax reforms, food security initiatives, transportation palliatives, support to State Governments, and many more.
“Just this week, the Federal Government launched an SME support programme, the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and Palliative Programs, targeting traders, artisans, transporters, vendors, and creatives with grants and low-cost loans. One million nano-businesses – the smallest businesses in the country – will benefit from grants of N50,000 each, while bigger businesses will be eligible to enjoy access to single-digit-interest loans from a 75 Billion Naira Fund”. he said
In the area of rebranding the country, the minister said he has put together a committee of renown experts to work on and finalize a value Charter for Nigeria in line with President Tinubu’s desire for true and sustained reorientation of national values and attitudes.
“This new Charter, which will be unveiled by the President early next year, will consist of a Nigerian Promise, and Citizen Codes, defining our core values as Nigerians, while taking into full account our ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversities. It will seek to entrench in all Nigerians a balanced understanding of our rights as well as our responsibilities as citizens of the greatest black nation on earth.
“This Committee has two weeks to submit its final report, and it goes without saying that your support as the media will make a huge difference in terms of this assignment. Without you, we will not succeed in this vital mission.”
The keynote speaker, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State noted that the media has done so well for the country, urging professionals to put in more efforts in holding leaders accountable and championing a Nigerian society that ensures equal rights for all persons as well as guarantees free and fair elections.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim stressed the need to curtail activities of some online media platform that have no regard for media ethics.
The Father of the Day, and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, said NUJ deserves commendation for the wise decision to celebrate it’s veterans in their lifetime.
Osoba himself a media icon, said the society owes professionals in the media industry alot for their huge contribution to nation building, while describing the gathering as an array of the best and biggest names in the pen profession.
In an address of welcome, the Chief Host, and President of NUJ, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, opined that the award served duo purpose of celebrating the extraordinary contributions of the icons and using their impressive stories to spur the younger ones to strive for excellence in the discharge of their duties.
Dr. Isiguzo singled out the Late Raymond Dokpesi for making great impact in the industry as he called for a minute silence to be observed in his honour.
Seventeen outstanding veterans and elders in the nation’s media landscape including the founder of Newswatch ,Ray Ekpu and Celebrated teacher of Mass Communication, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye were honoured.
The Governor of Bauchi State got the media-friendly Governor of the Year.
COV/ONOH/FAB
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