Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a robust collaboration between the government and media leaders to advance Nigeria’s national development agenda.
Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Guild of Editors at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, Shettima described media professionals as the “crème de la crème” and the conscience of the nation.
The Vice President stressed the importance of a balanced partnership to foster national unity and economic progress. “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 said.
Shettima acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the media industry and expressed the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable journalism. “My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face. Be assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for balance and objectivity in media reporting, urging editors to fulfill their watchdog role while also promoting national development.
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“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,” Shettima remarked.
In response, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, commended the Vice President for his transparency in governance and his efforts to clarify government economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).
Anaba highlighted the media’s readiness to partner with the government while maintaining its independence.
He also announced that the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) is set to take place from November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.