President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, promised to carefully review policies affecting the newspaper industry, acknowledging concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint.
He affirmed that his administration would always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether they were adversarial or complimentary to his government.
“You have held our feet to the fire, and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not. One thing I must say is that I read every paper, various opinions, and columnists.
Related Posts:
“I care about what is going on in the country. I thank you for your support and opinions, even the criticism of our government.
“Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as president,” said Tinubu,” the President said when he met members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria at the State House, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement he signed Monday titled: ‘President Tinubu: we will always uphold media freedom, respect divergent views.’
Tinubu spoke on the challenges Nigerians face as they travel for the festivities, saying the Federal Government was taking measures to alleviate the high cost of transportation by granting waivers to operators in the air, road and rail transportation systems.
He also said steps were being taken to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
The President said his administration would remain steadfast in “reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy,” citing bold decisions by his administration to end the petrol subsidy regime and initiate the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.
“I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people. The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, among others.
“We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, decried the high cost of news, promising the government’s intervention to ensure sustainability for newspapers.
Idris said, “Specifically, there is this high cost of newsprint. Newsprint is the most important part of publishing. We are looking at that and we will see what can be done.
“The President is also looking at what can be done so that the newspapers will continue to thrive.”
The minister reiterated the FG’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in the country, saying, “Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information.
“The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles.”
The minister commended NPAN for providing a platform for national discourse and diverse voices and implored the association to collaborate with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values, and addressing challenges confronting the nation.
NPAN President and Chairman of Media Trust, operators of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, congratulated President Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court affirmation,
He also raised pressing concerns facing the newspaper industry.
Yusuf said, “Our particular concern is the newspaper industry, which employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators, accountants.
“Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news.”
Present at Monday’s meeting were the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mrs Angela Emuwa; Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena; Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka; former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba; Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, England Bello; Managing Director of The Nation Newspaper, Victor Ifijeh; Vice Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Azubuike Ishiekwene; Managing Director of Businessday Newspapers, Frank Aigbogun; Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu and Executive Secretary of NPAN, Feyi Smith.
(Punch)
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of NEWS FLASH content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
