Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger collaboration between government and the media in carrying out their shared responsibility for Nigeria’s national development journey.

VP Shettima stated this on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to herald the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) scheduled for November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha,Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications(Office of The Vice President, VP Shettima describes media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, and made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.

The Vice President pledged government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.

20th All Nigeria Editors Conference:

From left: Ahmed Shekarau, MD of Daily Trust., Charles Kalu,  Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Steve Nwosu,  Treasurer of the Guild;, Minister of Information Idris., Eze Anaba President of the Guild/  Canguard Editor., Husseina Banshika, Deputy  President of the Guild., Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren,  Secretary of the Guild/Head of Station of Thisday and Arise News in Abuja; MD of Sun Newspaper,  and standing Committee member of the Guild, Onuoha Ukeh; Stanley Nkwocha,  the VP’s media aide. PHOTO : STATE HOUSE

Senator Shettima noted that the time has 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,” VP Shettima said.

Insisting on balance and objectivity in their reportage, VP 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.

In response, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of  the 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.

He further emphasised the media’s readiness to partner with the government, while maintaining its independence.