…As SSG lauds role of media in entrenching, democratic values
The Secretary to the Gombe state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has described the media as a veritable tool in the sustainance of Nigeria’s democratic values and good ally of the present administration in the state.
Professor Njodi stated this while presiding over a Sectoral Media Parley, organized by the state Government to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day Anniversary and Gombe state at 24 held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Gombe.
The Gombe SSG emphasized the need for mutual understanding between the government and members of the forth estate of the realm in the efforts to build a stronger nation.
He said as watchdogs of the society and voice of the people, the press play a pivotal role in agenda setting, and urged them to continue to remain neutral and objective while carrying out their assignments.
Professor Njodi said the media parley was aimed at highlighting the activities of the present administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and to entrench the culture of transparency and accountability in governance.
“Accountability is not only about the finances but how governance is conducted, while transparency means that which is open to public for scrutiny”.
He said it is only when the government engages the media that it would be able to sharpen the focus and direction of governance, saying that was what informed Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s directive for the interactive session to hold between the media practitioners and the members of the state executive council to serve as a medium between the people and the government.
The SSG disclosed plans to introduce a quarterly sectoral media parley to further strengthen synergy and collaboration with the press in government’s determination to engender openness in governance.
Commissioners present at the parley to give account of their stewardship included those of information and culture, works and housing, agriculture and animal husbandry, environment and forestry resources and education. Others were those of women affairs and social development, higher education as well as local government and chieftaincy affairs.
The Commissioner of information and culture, Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim Kwami said the parley was a session for reflection on Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary as a nation and Gombe State at 24 as well as the journey so far.
He said the forum was organised to serve as a platform for members of the press to interface with the executive council members to get first hand information on the activities of the present administration since coming into office and to relay the successes and challenges to members of the public.
During the parley, Commissioners took turns to respond to questions relevant to their respective ministries.
Like,share and come back for more news update.
Sahel Online News 