Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the necessity of a robust partnership between the government and the media to foster Nigeria’s national development.


Shettima who described media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.
Speaking when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, led by its President, Eze Anaba paid him a courtesy visit, the Vice President pledged government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.
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, as 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.
Responding, Anaba, who is Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, 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.
The NGE President also announced that the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) is scheduled for November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the NGE boss said the Guild briefed the Vice President on its forthcoming conference to be held in November, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
He said issues of national importance and the commitment of the Guid to upholding democratic principles were also discussed.
Asked whether there were further discussions on the programme the Guild was inviting the Vice President on, Anaba said apart from seeing Shettima, NGE would also like to meet with President Bola Tinubu and invite him to the conference, adding that the meeting with Shettima was the first point of call.