Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in Nigeria or pull down the house because their expectations have yet to be met.
This was as his Katsina State counterpart, Dikko Radda, asserted that journalism remains the backbone of democracy.
The two governors stressed the need to uphold freedom of expression and urged the media to be socially responsible.
Eno spoke, yesterday, after receiving the award of Media-Friendly Governor 2024 during the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is a token of appreciation to media legends, who have withstood the test of time in the midst of daunting challenges.
In his address with theme, ‘Media Legends: Shaping Narratives, Inspiring Generations’, NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, said the event held a mirror to the critical role of the media in deepening democratic governance and advancing national development.
Isiguzo said the media had always been the heartbeat of democracy, the voice that ensured accountability and transparency in governance.
He said, “Our nation grapples with economic, political and social challenges. Our role as journalists is even more critical. It is a period development journalism or solution-based journalism must rise. Beyond reporting the issues, we must shine a light on solutions, inspire hope and remind ourselves and our audience that though the night may be long, the dawn always comes. We must continue to tell the stories that inspire, challenge and build.
“As journalists, we know that the pen holds immense power. It can unite or divide, build or destroy. In these turbulent times, it is vital that we remain the builders, not the wreckers. Our responsibility is to hold the fabric of this nation together, to foster a sense of hope and unity. We must critique where necessary and expose wrongdoing, but always with the understanding that this is the only nation we have. To bring it down would be to destroy our own future, our children’s future and the dreams of countless generations to come.”
Eno who was represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, said: “I have maintained that constructive criticism is an important ingredient of good governance. Any government, which is interested in effective service delivery, will value feedbacks from the people as conveyed most times by the media.
“By my experience, when access is granted to the media and answers readily provided to their questions, they become willing collaborators and partners in progress. This is the principle we have adopted in administering Akwa Ibom. It is what has birthed the friendship, culminating in this surprising award conferred on me as the Most Media Friendly Governor in Nigeria, 2024.”
RADDA, who was awarded the Workers/Media Friendly Governor 2024, said: “This recognition from NUJ is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our society and advancing the values we hold dear.
“As a scholar and a politician, I have always believed that journalism is the backbone of democracy. It empowers individuals, holds the powerful accountable and fosters informed discussions. I am proud to be part of a community that dedicates itself to truth-seeking and advocacy.”
He urged all to uphold the principle of freedom of expression and work for the progress of the nation.
