President of the Nigerian Association of Editors (NGE), Mr. Anaba Eze, has called on President Bola Tinubu to protect the media industry in Nigeria amid ongoing economic challenges in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the three-day All Nigerian Editors Conference in Yenogra, Bayelsa State, South-Eastern Nigeria, with the theme “ Economic growth and development strategies in a resource-rich country »Mr. Eze noted that “ the greatest threat to the survival of media today is the availability of material resources (…)
»We are here because we recognize the essential role that a strong economy and a resilient media sector play in promoting a prosperous, informed and democratic society. Today, as editors, we stand at a crossroads where our decisions, priorities and strategies will shape the future of our country and journalism.
(…) The growth of our country’s economy directly influences all sectors, and our industry is no exception. A strong economy fuels consumer spending, drives innovation and creates opportunities for media organizations to grow and prosper. But with these opportunities come new challenges. (…) Media organizations face increasing pressure to adapt to modern trends while remaining financially viable and preserving journalistic integrity. The biggest threat to the survival of media today is the availability of material resources to produce our newspapers or broadcast on our television channels,” he said.
He also noted that the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, had promised to address the challenges facing media organizations. He expressed the hope that a solution would be found which would allow newspapers to continue to operate their profession effectively.
Eze stressed that sustainability in the media industry is not only about economic survival, but also about preserving the values that make journalism a pillar of democracy. He cited Section 22 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which requires the media to hold government to account.
« The Constitution challenges us to hold government accountable, even amid the poverty our profession faces “, he said. Adding: “ Our work is essential not only to our public, but also to the economic and social fabric of our country. »
In his speech, Conference Chairman and Publisher of Thisday and Arise Television, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, lamented the challenges facing the media industry, but expressed optimism for the future.
“Nigeria is on a reset. We have reforms underway and, unlike others, I believe that the future can be better if we give these reforms a human face. We must support reforms, stay the course and ensure the poor and vulnerable are supported “, he concluded.
GIK/fss/Sf/ac/APA
