By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger state government has expressed preparedness to organize Media Summit and also a media tour to enable practicing journalists in the state have full knowledge of developmental strides of the Governor Mohammed Umar Bago led administration.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Obed Nuhu Nana, disclosed this while addressing members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), during their Congress meeting which took place at the IBB Pen House, Minna.
The Commissioner who expressed appreciation to the journalists for the opportunity to engage them in useful discussions aimed at fostering better working relationships, however encouraged practitioners to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession to avoid misconceptions about the administration's policies and programmes.
Acknowledging the cordial working relationship between the government and the media, the Commissioner said, "The Governor Umar Bago led administration has plans for a Media Summit and a statewide media tour for practicing journalists to see for themselves projects so far executed by the administration".
Consequently, it is important for journalists to remain professional and proactive while reaffirming the state government's commitments towards openness to enable journalists carry out their reportings with facts, he said.
Responding, Niger state Council NUJ Chairman, Dr. Abu Nmodu, who called for better understanding of the workings of journalists assured of the union’s full support and cooperation in promoting developmental journalism, while upholding objectivity in reportage of government policies and programmes.
Abu who congratulated the Commissioner on his conferment of traditional title, 'Damasani Wyiku' of Bwari Area Council of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja assured the Commissioner of preparedness to work with the state government.
Meanwhile, the union have expressed concern over the recent altercations between a journalist and a member of the Governor's security team and therefore want the relevant security agencies and the Governor to caution their personnel against attacks on journalists.
This was part of resolutions contained in a Communique jointly signed by Priscilla Dennis, Chairman of Communique drafting Committee, Ismaila Musa Rabba, Secretary and Comrade Usman Chiji, the Council Secretary, which also wants the union leadership to take up the matter with the relevant security agencies to ensure safety of practitioners in the state. NNL.
