Governor Diri hails media’s role in democracy, calls for Government support

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has commended the media for its critical role in deepening Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking at the opening of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2024) in Yenagoa, Diri emphasized the media’s importance as the fourth pillar of democracy, highlighting its function in educating, informing, and shaping public opinion.

He called the press a “beacon of hope” that helps promote understanding and unity, especially in challenging times.

Governor Diri also reflected on the economic growth potential of resource-rich states like Bayelsa, noting the paradox of widespread poverty despite abundant natural resources.

He stressed the need for a more inclusive approach to development that benefits all citizens, particularly those in resource-rich but underdeveloped areas.

Meanwhile, media stakeholders, including the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), have called on President Bola Tinubu to address the economic challenges facing the media industry.

With rising costs and limited resources, media organizations are struggling to survive. NGE President, Eze Anaba, pointed out that the biggest threat to the media’s survival is the unavailability of necessary resources, such as newsprint, which has seen prices skyrocket.

He also acknowledged the government’s commitment to tackling these issues through the Minister of Information.

Prominent figures in the media industry, such as Prince Nduka Obaigbena and Sam Amuka, lamented the impact of the ongoing economic difficulties on their operations, calling for government intervention to sustain the business of journalism.

Amuka revealed that the cost of newsprint has tripled in the past two years, making it increasingly difficult for newspapers to operate profitably.

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, also urged the media to address leadership issues within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), highlighting the ongoing crisis within the union.

Addressing the media managers at the conference, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, urged them to prioritize factual media  reporting and uphold professional integrity.

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Tinubu reiterated the media’s transformative role in shaping public understanding and aiding the government’s efforts in national development.

“We are committed to turning Nigeria’s challenges into opportunities,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the country’s vast resources and the potential for economic prosperity.

He called on the media to engage constructively in reporting the government’s actions to ensure a better future for Nigeria.

The ongoing discussions reflect the growing concern within the media industry about its sustainability in the face of economic challenges, with stakeholders urging both government and industry leaders to act swiftly to preserve the press’s role as a pillar of democracy.