'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has urged the Nigerian media to remain vigilant in safeguarding the nation’s democracy, emphasizing that the media plays a crucial role in upholding Nigeria's 24 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. This statement was made during a courtesy visit by the executive council of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to inform him of preparations for the 20th All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), which is scheduled to take place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, from November 6-9, 2024.
“Nigeria’s democratic journey was hard fought for by all, with the media playing a leading role in the struggle against military dictatorship," Idris stated, "therefore, 24 years after, the media shouldn’t be seen to be losing guard at this critical juncture. What it must do is to sustain and reinforce its time-honoured support for democracy.” He commended the role of Nigerian journalists in the country's democratic evolution and reminded the media of their role in promoting stability and accountability.
The Minister also emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is deeply committed to promoting democratic values, particularly press freedom. He underscored the importance of the media in maintaining Nigeria’s peace, unity, and national security, especially as they cover sensitive national issues. “The media is looked up to as beacons in prioritising the preservation of Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.
Idris further explained that the Tinubu administration's reform agenda is progressing and appealed to the media to approach coverage with optimism, recognizing that Nigeria is on the brink of a transformative era in socio-economic development, despite facing initial challenges. He also noted the government's commitment to supporting the media sector with targeted interventions, including single-digit loans through the Bank of Industry to ease operational burdens. Addressing the high cost of newsprint, Idris confirmed that this issue is a top priority for the government.
In response, NGE President Eze Anaba highlighted the importance of the 20th ANEC, describing it as a milestone event themed "Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country." Anaba noted that this theme aligns with Nigeria’s present circumstances and underscores the urgency for viable solutions to stimulate economic growth and development in the nation.
This year’s conference is expected to bring together editors, media practitioners, and stakeholders to explore strategies that can harness Nigeria’s resource wealth to drive sustainable economic growth.
