“These reforms and interventions we are implementing remain the surest way to diversify our economy and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
“We have no other option; hence, we will remain steadfast. As editors and media managers, your role in national development cannot be overemphasised. You are the custodians of public perception, the gatekeepers of information and, more importantly, the voice of the people.”
Tinubu disclosed that the economic reforms of his administration are targeted at transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a production-oriented one. ‘’I am pleased to let you know that through our sustained reforms, we are witnessing our economy gradually making a rebound on the most important foundational level. Today, our debt service to revenue ratio has come down drastically from almost 100 percent to about 65 percent. Similarly, the revenues accruing to the three tiers of Government: Federal, State, and Local Government have grown exponentially with more funds going into the provision of social services and investment as well as the provision of infrastructure and social security.
‘’The local government autonomy granted by the Supreme Court based on the suit filed by the Federal Government was aimed at strengthening the governance structure at the local level as well as promoting grassroots development. “A new minimum wage of N70,000 has taken off across all Federal Government’s establishments, with many of the state governments committing to implementing the same. Over 46,000 students are benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund across 59 tertiary institutions with a disbursement of over N5 billion. The first batch of 500,000 civil servants is set to become beneficiaries of the Consumer Credit Scheme with the release of N100 billion.”
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri said the significance of media in democratic governance was immeasurable.
According to him, as the fourth pillar of democracy, the press educates, informs, and entertains, shaping public agenda and debate.
“Democracy relies heavily on the press to thrive. As ethnic nationalities and diverse interests vie for attention, your work serves as a beacon of hope, promoting understanding and unity.
“In these turbulent times around our nation and the world at large, your role as guardians of truth is more critical than ever.
“Integrity remains the cornerstone of your profession; building trust with the public and fortifying the foundations of a healthy democracy is your mandate.
“The theme of this conference – Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country – is both relevant and timely.
“We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development.
“Our nation brims with abundant resources, yet poverty and underdevelopment persist across countless communities – a striking paradox.”
He said Bayelsa was a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas production, but pointed out that its inhabitants were faced with severe environmental challenges and economic hardship.
“For long we have been ignored, our stories dismissed, and our rights trampled. Yet we have decided not to be silenced or erased.”
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr, he declared that “the time is always right to do what is right”.
“Two recent events have strengthened my resolve to drive a thoughtful and intentional dialogue about responsible resource management in our country. “It was my pleasure to join the University of Nigeria (UNN) community in Nsukka for their 64th Founder’s Day, where I presented a lecture focusing on the pivotal issues of structural inequality and imbalance within Nigeria’s federal structure. “We must, for instance, rethink the outdated idea that States have rights to surface land, while the federal government monopolises valuable underground resources,” he explained. The governor highlighted key issues, including fiscal autonomy and the restricted authority of state governors, who are chief security officers in name only, as actual control rests elsewhere. Veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and the founder of Vanguard Media Group, Chief Sam Amuka, were among dignitaries at the opening ceremony chaired by the Chairman of the ThisDay/Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obiagbena.
Check this Story for part 3
Tinubu defends economic polices at Editors’ Conference (3)