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Tinubu Charges Editors To Help Stimulate Economy For FDI
President Bola Tinubu has declared open the 19th All Nigeria Editors Conference holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris Malagi, charged Editors to engage in positive publicity of the country so as to attract foreign investment.
Tinubu congratulated the Nigeria Guild of Editors for choosing a relevant theme, “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media”, for the conference.
“I have signed five executive orders so far with a view to stimulating the economy for growth and foreign investment”, Tinubu added.
On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris Malagi, pledged to restore the trust and confidence of the public on information managers in the country.
He also restated his earlier promise on assumption of office, to say only what is true and factual, stressing that the era of propaganda was over.
In his remark as chief host, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, cautioned Editors to be careful when trying to break the news so as not to ‘break the fabric of the society,’ and urged journalists to engender good governance in their news reportage to advance Nigeria’s democracy.
“In trying to break the news, don’t break the fabrics of the society. We need the society,” Eno said.
The governor said: “I want to plead that you use engender a new template of reportage, one that is development-oriented, where our leaders are called to account without being overly obtrusive.
“You need the nation first in order to freely practise your profession.”
He said that his administration was open to constructive criticisms and committed to driving a narrative of governance focused on making the state residents to reap dividends of democracy and build trust in government.
Eno praised the media for support for his administration.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for efforts so far in governance, and prayed God to guide him.
“May God bless our dear nation, Nigeria, and continue to give in our president and commander-in-chief more wisdom to lead our nation.
“In the process, there will be fulfilment of the dreams of our founding fathers to have a powerful, united and prosperous nation,” he said.
Eno stated that Ibom Air has started its flight to Ghana and other west coast countries.
“Soon, we shall take a delivery of a brand new Aircraft to boost our fleet” Akwa Ibom Governor added.
“We came to the office fully prepared and the state government had started building model schools equipped with accommodation for teachers to enhance learning and education.”
Eno urged Editors to find time to attend the State’s Cultural Festival from December 1, 2023 to January, 2024.
In his goodwill message, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, called on the Federal Government to urgently evolve measures to regulate social media to tackle misinformation and disinformation.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, Otu said that social media had been misused to a large extent.
The governor described mass media as indispensable for societal development.
“The media should indulge more in critical analysis of issues instead of merely praising policymakers.
“We can see that the media holds a critical place in our national development; the media should be reliable and trustworthy,” he said.
The governor further urged the mass media to propagate ideas that would stimulate economic recovery.
“The economy of every nation has direct bearing on the well-being of the citizenry; so, a prosperous economy will definitely breed a prosperous citizenry,” he said.
Otu expressed worry at under investment in agriculture and small and medium scale enterprises.
“With adequate investment in agriculture, the level of poverty in the country will reduce.
“We must be together in the bid to develop our nation. With the right policies, we will get it right,” he said.
In his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Eze Anaba, urged NGE members to do more to promote citizens’ access to information.
Anaba said that access to information would enhance participatory democracy and encourage good governance.
“Without access to information, this form of governance is not possible.
“Information creates the opportunity to discuss a range of available options and to take part in meaningful public policy discussions and informed political debates.
“Information allows the public to hold a government accountable by creating a public awareness of the government’s conduct.
“It is for this reason that the theme of this year’s annual conference is: “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media,” he said.
Anaba said that about 300 media executives and senior editors gathered for the conference.
He said that the conference would also examine Nigerian media sustainability, the existential threat of the Big Tech and the way forward.
The NGE president urged editors and other media professionals to continue to ensure balanced, accurate, factual and timely news reporting, which he described as the hallmark of journalism.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Publisher of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka, said that journalists were the conscience of the society, and warned them against publishing fake news.
He said, “You must always publish the truth.”
In his presentation, the immediate past Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Muda Yusuf, called on the mass media to stimulate discussions that would grow Nigeria’s economy.
Yusuf said that Nigeria was facing declining reserves, lack of investor confidence and currency volatility, among other challenges.
“Well thought-out reform measures are crucial at this point, we cannot wish this away,” he said.
He said that Nigerian media had a crucial role to play in tackling the challenges.
“Nigeria is in dire need of economic reforms going by the level of poverty in the country.
“Statistics shows that, as at 2022, 60 per cent of Nigerians were already facing multi-dimensional poverty,” he said.
According him, it is important for the media to be proactive in holding governments to account.
“It is good to indulge in economic reforms, the most important thing is the well-being of the people,” he said.
Yusuf said that the media had a role to play in ensuring that reforms would be effectively implemented in the interest of the citizenry.
A renowned journalist, editor and media manager, Azu Ishiekwene; and Finance Minister, Wale Edun; also presented papers during the conference.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by other partners.
The conference will last for three days.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the late Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to national development brought honour and distinction to the Kalabari Kingdom and Rivers State.
Fubara said Horsfall’s life of service, patriotism, integrity and commitment to humanity had left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
The governor spoke through the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, at the funeral service of the late elder statesman last Saturday in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the State.
He described Horsfall as a patriotic Nigerian whose leadership and dedication to the country’s development earned him a place in the nation’s history.
“Chief Horsfall was a distinguished statesman whose life was defined by service, patriotism, integrity and commitment to humanity.
“His contributions to our nation, particularly through his service as Director-General of the State Security Service, pioneer Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and Chairman of OMPADEC, remain significant milestones in our national history,” Fubara said.
The governor noted that the late Horsfall’s contributions to national security, intelligence administration and the development of the Niger Delta would remain part of his enduring legacy.
“His legacy of leadership, national service and dedication to development will remain an enduring source of inspiration to generations yet unborn,” he added.
Fubara urged the bereaved family, the Kalabari people and other Nigerians to uphold the values of peace, unity and selfless service exemplified by the late elder statesman.
The funeral service attracted several dignitaries, including the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), a representative of the Bayelsa State Governor, the Managing Director of NDDC, Chairman of PENDEF and the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom.
Also in attendance were the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, the Commissioner for Special Projects and other government officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partner with local government councils that prioritize the welfare and development of people at the grassroots.
Fubara stated this last Thursday in Nkoro Town during the commissioning of the newly built Sir Siminalayi Fubara Corps Members’ Lodge, executed by Hon. James A. James, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Sunny Ewule, the governor said the project goes beyond a building to represent hope, hospitality and responsible leadership.
According to him, providing decent and safe accommodation for Nationl Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who leave their comfort zones to serve in communities is the least government can do.
“Today we are not just commissioning a building, we are commissioning hope, hospitality and responsible leadership. The Chairman of Opobo/ Nkoro LGA, Hon. James A. James has understood a very simple truth that those who come to serve us must serve with dignity,.
“Our young graduates who serves under the NYSC scheme leave the comfort of their homes and travel far to contribute to our communities, they teach our children, they work in our health centres, and they become parts of our families.
“The least we can do is give them a decent, safe and befitting place to lay their heads. What Hon. James A. James has done today is in total alignment with the vision of this administration, an administration that believes in people, that prioritises welfare and that believes development must be felt in every local government and not just in Port Harcourt” he said.
Fubara further urged the beneficiaries of the corpers lodge to make good use of the facilities of the newly built edifice and be good ambassadors of Nigeria, respect the culture and traditions of the host community while continue to serve with dedication and patriotism.
“This Corpers lodge will enhance the security and welfare of serving corps members, boost their morale and make Opobo/Nkoro and even more attractive place for posting, it is a strategic investment in human capital and in peace building,” he said.
He commended the Opobo/Nkoro Council Chairman for aligning with his administration’s vision of ensuring development is felt in all 23 local government areas of the State, and not just in Port Harcourt, adding that the lodge is a strategic investment in human capital, security and peace building.
In his goodwill message, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, said the accommodation was 85 percent of Corps members’ challenges.
Oleghe thanked Governor Fubara for the recent increase in the State allowances for Corps members to N35,000 for those in 21 rural areas and N20,000 for those in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City LGAs, describing the gesture as a moral booster for the corps members.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has secured an offer of specialised training for up to 5,000 Nigerian police personnel under a proposed security cooperation involving Nigeria, the United States and Italy.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, at the weekend.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to tackle insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and other emerging security threats across the country.
According to the statement, the proposed training programme will focus on counter-insurgency operations, intelligence-led patrols and tactical operations, particularly in difficult rural and forested environments.
Other areas of training include critical infrastructure protection, digital and scientific forensics, cybercrime investigations, explosives detection, financial investigations, asset tracing and anti-extortion operations.
The programme is expected to extend beyond the Police Mobile Force to other specialised units, including explosive ordnance disposal and forensic teams.
As part of the engagement, Disu met with the Commander-General of the Italian Carabinieri, Lieutenant-General Salvatore Luongo, to explore areas of technical assistance, professional training and institutional cooperation.
The police chief and his delegation also visited the Carabinieri Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza, Italy, where they assessed training facilities and explored opportunities to adapt specialised policing programmes to Nigeria’s security needs.
Proposals discussed during the visit included command courses for 40 senior police officers, leadership training for 100 junior commanders and the deployment of a mobile assistance team to support Police Mobile Force training schools in Gwoza, Borno State, and Ila-Orangun, Osun State.
The discussions also covered the development of a national stability policing doctrine and standard operating procedures to improve professionalism, operational coordination and civilian protection, particularly in communities recovering from conflict.
Other areas of proposed cooperation include canine operations, forensic science and mounted policing, including horse breeding and local capacity development for effective public order management.
To formalise the proposed partnership, the IGP has initiated moves towards a Memorandum of Understanding covering specialised training, technology transfer and operational procedures.
He also invited an Italian Carabinieri assessment team to Abuja to identify priority needs and develop implementation arrangements.
Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international partnerships that will strengthen operational readiness, improve investigative capacity and enhance the protection of lives and property.
The statement did not, however, indicate when the proposed training programme would commence or provide a definite implementation timetable.
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