The Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the tough economic decisions taken by his government will benefit the Nigerian economy in the short and medium terms.
Speaking at the 19th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference (ANEC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Muhammed Idris, said the economic policies were announced to propel the Nigerian economy to greater heights.
These include, among others, removal of petroleum subsidy, which was supported with provisions of a minimum wage award of thirty-five thousand naira (N35,000) for civil servants; infrastructural support funds for businesses; provision of students loans; support for farmers; signing of five executive orders for ease of businesses; and foreign investment drive.
He called for the understanding of the Nigerian editors to inform and educate Nigerians on the long-term benefits of the economic policies as enunciated in the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
According to the president, “the positive reportage of economic policies will provide a stable macroeconomic stability in the country and project investment flows. The Nigerian media industry equally needs a conducive environment for its business.”
He charged the media to guard against the proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation among some media practitioners. This, in his words, has had a negative impact on the progress made in the economy since the inception of the Tinubu administration.
Despite these economic challenges, President Tinubu urged the media to have respect for the rule of law.
Commitment to Truth
For his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Muhammed Idris, restated his firm belief in speaking the truth at all times about government policies and programmes.
Declaring the event open on behalf of President Tinubu, the minister advised the editors to “leave out what is not necessary for the growth of the Nigerian society and assist in the value reorientation of Nigerians toward positive development of the country”.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the convention, Mr Sam Amuka, equally enjoined the editors to celebrate Nigeria, reporting only positive stories of the country.
In the words of the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Amuka: “Editing is knowing what to leave out, and making government accountable to the people.”
The 19th All Nigerian Editors’ Conference is the largest assemblage of media executives in Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement, and the Role of the Media”.
Contribution from Barth Ikiebe
