Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, called for balance and objectivity in media reportage.
He urged media practitioners to maintain their role as a watchdog while supporting national development.
Shettima made the call when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed Tuesday titled ‘Government, Media Must Unite To Move Nigeria Forward – VP Shettima.’
He described media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, urging a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.
“When we do good, please commend us. When we are going astray, guide us because we have to salvage this nation, not for our own sake but for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he emphasised.
He called for a stronger collaboration between the government and the media in carrying out their shared responsibility for Nigeria’s national development journey.
Shettima pledged the government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.
He noted that the time has come to prioritise governance over political considerations, just as he called for partnership with the media.
“Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us.
“We are now in the period of governance and not politics,” he stated.
The Vice President also acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the media, pledging the government’s support to sustain quality journalism.
“My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face.
“Rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” Shettima said.
Responding, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Eze Anaba, lauded Shettima’s commitment to transparent governance, particularly in explaining the government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council.
“You have been prolific in talking about the state of the economy in your responsibility as the Chairman of the National Economic Council,” Anaba said.
He further emphasised the media’s readiness to partner with the government while maintaining its independence.
The NGE President also announced that the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference is scheduled for November 7 – 9 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
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