Vice-President Kashim Shettima has advocated for a stronger collaboration between government and the media in discharge of their shared responsibility, for national development.
Shettima said this when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
The Vice-President described the media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation.
Shettima made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.
The Vice-President pledged government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm saying that the time has come to prioritise governance over political considerations.
” Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. We are now in the period of governance and not politics,” Shettima said.
The Vice-President acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the media and pledged the government’s support to sustain quality journalism.
” My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face.
” Be rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” he said.
The Vice-President, who insisted on balance and objectivity in reportage, urged editors to maintain their role of a watchdog, while supporting national development.
“When we do good, please commend us. When we are going astray, guide us because we have to salvage this nation; not for our own sake but for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Responding, President of the Guild of Editor, who is also an editor in Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Eze Anaba, commended Shettima’s commitment to transparent governance.
He particularly applauded the Vice-President for explaining government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).
“You have been prolific in talking about the state of the economy in your responsibility as the Chairman of the National Economic Council,” Anaba said.
He further emphasised the media’s readiness to partner with the government, while maintaining its independence.
The NGE President also announced that the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) is scheduled for Nov. 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
” We came to brief the Vice-President about our forthcoming conference and also to discuss some national issues with him, exchange views and also to tell him our commitment to democracy,” he said.
Also, the General Secretary of the Guild, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, explained that the conference would focuse on economy, security, energy and the state of the media in Nigeria.
According to him, the Vice-President and President Bola Tinubu have a role to play in the success of the conference, urging them to be part of the conversation in Yenagoa, by honouring the guild with their presence,” he said.
