Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has said that it is imperative for the media to not lose guard in the defence of Nigeria’s 24 years of unbroken democratic experience.
He said this when the Executive Council of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), paid him a courtesy visit as part of preparations for the 20th All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 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, 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,” Idris said.
Idris assured the NGE executives led by its President, Mr Eze Anaba, that the government of President Bola Tinubu is fully committed to entrenching democratic values, particularly adherence to the tenets of press freedom.
But more than ever before, Idris added, the media is looked up to as beacons in prioritising the preservation of Nigeria’s democracy, peace, unity, and national security in their coverage of national issues.
The minister further explained that the reform agenda of the Tinubu administration is in full swing and pleaded with the media to project positivity, asserting that Nigeria is on the path to a new era of socio-economic progress, which comes with teething problems.
He added that the Tinubu’s administration will continue to support the media through special interventions to ease the pains associated with their operations, such as providing single-digit loans through the Bank of Industry.
The minister added that the need to mitigate the high cost of newsprint is a top priority.
NGE President Anaba, in his remarks, said the 20th ANEC in Bayelsa State, promises to be a landmark event with the theme, ‘Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country’, which he said conforms with Nigeria’s current realities and the urgent need for solutions.
