Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, advised media editors to pay more attention to issues and reports that would assist government ease the current hardship in Nigeria.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call in Lagos at the opening of Editors’ House of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
He said editors, being gate keepers and moulders of public opinion, owed it a national duty to ensure fair and objective reportage of issues with eyes on promoting socio-economic development and national cohesion.
“It is no longer news that our nation’s economy is in recession, amid other challenges that demand patriotism and nationalistic spirit in all of us.
“I urge you to pay more attention to issues that will assist the government to ease the current hardship, promote socio-economic development and protection of people’s lives and property.”
Ambode said the Editors’ House would open a new chapter that would ultimately earn her respect and due recognition in the comity of professional bodies in our nation.
“This is a testimony of resilience and determination to further deepen the vision of the founding fathers of the guild. I urge you to make good use of this house to promote national unity,” he said.
Ambode promised that the state government would continue to partner with the guild to make positive changes and difference in the society.
Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai , who was represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga, urged the guild to take control of the media space as well as the organisation of media awards in the country.
“The guild should take control of all the media awards organised in our country as obtained in other societies. It is the media who should grade themselves, not external people.
“The media space has been taken over by all kinds of people such as bloggers, cyber hyenas and others. We must find a way of making these people a part of the guild.
“This move will make them embrace the guild’s rules of fairness and objectivity in their operations to promote a better society,” Mohammed said.
Former governor of Delta State and chairman of the occasion, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said hosting and partnership with the guild was vital to the image of any state government.
Uduaghan urged state governments to support and collaborate with the guild to promote public awareness and development.
NGE President, Mrs. Funke Egbemode said the guild, which was founded in 1961, had been without a secretariat for over 55 years.
Egbemode commended NAN for accommodating the guild for 15 years until it was able to acquire property in Abuja and Lagos with a fund-raising dinner in 2014.
She also thanked the Federal Government and states for their support over the years.
Present at the event were Mr Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Martins Babale, a Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former Governor of Ogun State and many other dignitaries.