Media Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has explained the rationale behind the Renewed Hope Media Team’s visit to Abia State, saying it was aimed at drawing public attention to projects being executed by both the Federal and State Governments.

Onanuga said the tour provided an opportunity to inspect key developmental projects and assess ongoing efforts across sectors, noting that increased resources available to states had enabled more impactful delivery of infrastructure and social services.

Speaking at a reception organised for the team by the Abia State Government in Umuahia, he said the Federal Government and state governments were working collaboratively to improve the lives of Nigerians.

He commended Governor Alex Otti for the warm reception extended to the delegation and emphasised the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in driving national development.

“The federal and state governments are working together for the progress of Nigerians. The resources now available to states are enabling them to undertake projects that improve the lives of citizens,” Onanuga said.

He added that the media tour was designed to provide the team with firsthand exposure to projects executed by both tiers of government, in line with efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

Governor Alex Otti, represented by his deputy, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu, urged members of the media team to carry out their assignment with professionalism, objectivity, fairness, and accuracy.

He said the tour represented a significant step toward enhancing transparency and public awareness of government policies and projects, stressing that journalists play a critical role in shaping public understanding.

Otti noted that the public relies heavily on the media for accurate information and urged reporters not only to present events but also to provide context, balance, and truth in their reporting.

“The pursuit of truth must always remain the guiding principle of journalism,” he said. “As custodians of public information, your words and reports have the power to unite or divide, inspire confidence or create doubt.”

He urged the team to visit communities, institutions, and project sites across Abia State to witness firsthand his administration’s efforts in rebuilding public trust, improving infrastructure, and delivering people-oriented governance.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, also advised the media team to approach their assignment with professionalism and objectivity, while commending them to experience the hospitality and resilience of Abia people.

He described the visit as a reflection of growing collaboration between the Federal Government and Abia State in advancing development, improving infrastructure, and enhancing citizens’ welfare.

Kanu said Governor Otti’s administration, since its inception on May 29, 2023, has consistently prioritised service delivery, results, and partnerships across key sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic development.

He expressed confidence that the team’s reports would help deepen public understanding of government efforts at different levels to address national challenges and improve the lives of citizens.