Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called for greater collaboration between the media and government at all levels towards accelerated economic development of the country.
Saraki, in a statement to mark the 2017 World Press Freedom Day, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, noted the enormous sacrifices made by the Nigerian media to end military dictatorship and entrench democracy in the country.
He stated that having contributed immensely to return the country to democratic rule, it is time for the media to key into the present administration’s determination to exit the current recession, grow the economy and make life more abundant for all.
He noted that the theme of this year’s celebration which is “Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies” cannot be fully realized without sustained improvement in the economic status of every Nigerian.
Saraki said: “There is no doubt that one of the major challenges confronting us as a people is how to grow the economy and provide jobs for our teaming population. I believe the press has a great role to play in accelerating the process through the dissemination of appropriate information and unbiased reportage of government’s economic recovery efforts.
“The Nigerian media played tremendous role in ending military rule. It is time for her to join the crusade to build a sustainable economy for the benefit of all,” he said.
The Senate President also paid tribute to journalists across the world who have had to pay the supreme price, suffered injuries and deprivations while carrying out their legitimate duties.
He called on media owners – public and private – to enhance the welfare and security of practitioners in the media, in view of their critical role in the socio-economic development of the country.
