By Egena Sunday Ode
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged stronger collaboration between government and the media as they strive to deliver their roles in nation building.
He described media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, saying that a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth should be developed.
The Vice President spoke on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima pledged government’s support to ensuring the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.
He noted that the time had come to prioritise governance over political considerations, just as he called for partnership with the media.
He said: “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.”
The Vice President 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. Be rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” Shettima said.
Insisting on balance and objectivity in reportage, Shettima urged the editors to maintain their role of a watchdog, while supporting national development.
“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.
Responding, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, lauded the Vice President’s commitment to transparent governance, particularly in explaining government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).
“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.
