Shettima: Tinubu Taking Right Steps Towards Returning Nigeria to Greatness 

* Charges media to combat fake news, uphold ethical standards

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said the government at the centre led by President Bola Tinubu is on the right path of returning Nigeria to greatness.

According to him, with shared commitment, mutual respect and open dialogue, a brighter future would soon become handy for Nigerians.

He, however, emphasized the crucial role the media must play in achieving this goal, calling for collaboration and a shared commitment to national progress.

Speaking weekend at The Sun Newspapers Awards in Lagos, Shettima who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, highlighted the recent strides by the Federal Government, including economic reforms, tackling security challenges, and investing in infrastructure, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, despite initial challenges, as yielding positive results with increased federal allocations to states.

“The government is commencing the implementation of the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme aimed at addressing the root causes of farmers-herders conflicts. The initiative will revitalize the affected communities through the construction of residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities. I inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians,” the vice-president said.

He stressed the crucial role of the media as “watchdogs, truth-seekers, and the voice that informs and empowers our citizens”.

In his speech titled, ‘Celebrating Excellence, Building Together: Our Commitment to Press Freedom And Media Development In Nigeria,’ Shettima noted that the media has the power to shape narratives, foster public discourse and hold institutions accountable.

According to him, “Tonight, we celebrate not just the exceptional work of individual journalists, but also the collective contribution of the media to Nigeria’s progress. As partners in progress, you have the power to shape narratives, foster public discourse, and hold institutions responsible. Your dedication to investigative journalism, balanced reporting, and fact-checking is essential for a thriving democracy.”

The vice-president advocated collaboration and mutual respect between the media and government, stressing the need for the media to hold the government accountable, just as he called for transparency and open access to information to foster an environment where journalists can work freely and safely.

He further noted President Tinubu’s commitment to a vibrant press, recognizing that “a free and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy”.

While advocating press freedom, Shettima urged the media to uphold ethical standards, fact-check information, and avoid sensationalism to combat the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.

He also commended the sacrifices of journalists and expressed the government’s commitment to working together with the media to build a brighter future for all Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, assured Nigerians that the economic challenges bedevilling Nigeria would soon be a thing of the past.

He said while nation-building is a collective endeavour, the citizens must come together and support the government in its efforts in building a truly great Nigeria.

His words: “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shall remain steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future for all Nigerians, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. While progress may seem slow at times, the vision for a better tomorrow remains resolute. We shall soon navigate successfully the current economic challenges.”