- Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, emphasizes importance of government-media partnership for national development.
- Prioritizing governance over politics to drive unity and economic growth.
- Government support pledged to sustain quality journalism amid economic challenges.
- Media urged to maintain watchdog role with balance and objectivity in reportage.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has stressed the need for a robust partnership between the government and media to drive national development, unity, and economic growth. This call was made during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Vice President’s Remarks:
Shettima described media leaders as the “crème de la crème and conscience of the nation,” highlighting their vital role in national development. He emphasized the need for collective effort, stating, “Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us.”
Government Support:
The Vice President acknowledged the media’s economic challenges and pledged government support to sustain quality journalism, saying, “My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face.”
Media’s Role:
Shettima urged the media to maintain their watchdog role, emphasizing balance and objectivity in reportage, and to “commend us when we do good, and guide us when we are going astray.”
Response:
Nigerian Guild of Editors’ President, Mr. Eze Anaba, praised Shettima’s commitment to transparent governance, particularly in explaining government economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).