The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, says the ministry will partner with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in promoting government programmes and policies.
Bagudu said this when some management staff of NAN, led by its Managing Director, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, visited him on Thursday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the visit was to brief the minister on the upcoming Maiden Annual International Lecture of the agency scheduled to hold on Oct. 3.
The theme of the lecture is: ‘Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges, Genesis, Impacts, and Options’.
Bagudu, commended the agency, adding that the topic chosen for the lecture was crucial for the advancement of the country.
“The ministry is willing to relate, support, participate and join hands with NAN not just on the lecture, but to encourage consensus building.
“We are facing challenges, but we are still a blessed nation; blessing cannot go anywhere if we do not work for it according to the scripture.
“We need to communicate and drop the anger and join hands together for a better future,” the minister said.
He said that mutual relationship with all stakeholders, particularly the media was important.
Bagudu said that the failure of federalism could be corrected by the media in reporting the true facts and bringing the citizens under one umbrella.
He said that part of the ministry’s mandate was to interact with all groups and mobilise public support for government programmes and policies.
The minister expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu in taking the country to the next level.
Speaking earlier, the managing director of NAN, Ali lauded Bagudu for the tremendous achievements he recorded as Governor, Senator and now a minister under the present administration.
Ali said that the lecture was imperative looking at Nigeria’s state of insecurity and NAN’s position of disseminating news across international level.
“We are here to intimate you of our impending first international lecture organised by NAN. We are here to let you know first hand, and also to invite you formally,” he said.
While speaking on the choice of the topic, Ali said NAN management was looking at the state of insecurity, as not only a disturbing issue in Nigeria but within the Sahel region.
“Actually, we are looking at insecurity in the Sahel region, and that is why it is an international lecture.
“The insecurity is becoming a serious issue, and we restricted it between 2008 and 2024.
“it is part of the national effort to enliven public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and militancy, among others,
“We have renowned speakers expected to be present and the key note speaker will be the former president of Ecowas,” he said.
According to Ali, the agency is the biggest news content provider on the continent of Africa, with several partnerships with renowned media across the globe.
He said that the agency had 36 offices nationwide and 12 zonal offices with plans to open more district offices.
The managing director commeneded efforts of the present administration in fighting insecurity by equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces to curb the ugly situation across the country.
“So, we are looking at all of these, beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“We are convinced that the editorial board of the News Agency of Nigeria will look at this beyond Nigeria, at the Sahel region, which has remained a hotbed of crisis,” Ali said.
Members of the NAN delegation includes the Director of Administration, Abdulkadi Khaliel, the Editor in Chief, Ephraims Sheyin and the Director Special Duties, Mr Mufutau Ojo. (NAN)
