By James Moses (9News Nigeria – Jos)
I’n spite of the prevailing economic hardship in the country, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the right path to returning the nation to greatness. Shettima said with shared commitment, mutual respect and open dialogue, a brighter future would soon be at hand for Nigeriia.
Speaking during the Sun Newspaper Award lweekend in Lagos, the Nigeria’s Vice President represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President) Stanley Nkwocha, stressed the role of the media as “watchdogs, truth-seekers, and voice that informs and empowers our citizens”.
In his speech titled, “Celebrating Excellence, Building Together: Our commitment to Press Freedom and Media Development in Nigeria”, the Vice President noted that the media has the power to shape narratives, foster public discourse and hold institutions accountable”
Senator Shettima advocated collaboration and mutual respect between the media and government, stressing the need for media to hold the government accountable, just as he called for transparency and open access to information to foster an environment where journalists can work freely and safety.
He noted that, President Tinubu’s commitment to vibrant press recognising that, “A free and Independent media is essential for a healthy democracy”
While advocating press freedom, the Vice President urged the media to uphold ethical standards, fact-check information and avoid sensationalism to combat the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
The Vice President also highlighted the recent strides by the Federal government, including economic reforms, tackling security challenges, and investing in infrastructure, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, despite initial challenges, as yielding positive results with increased federal allocations to states.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, assured Nigerians that the economic challenges bedeviling Nigeria would soon end, saying nation’s-building is a collective endeavour, the citizens must come together and support the government in its quest in building a truly great Nigeria.
-9News Nigeria.
