NAN-H-26
Group
By Bolaji Buhari
Lagos, Oct. 10, 2017(NAN) A rights group, the Citizens Voice Development Initiative, on Tuesday called for collaboration with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in projecting its activities.
President of the group, Mr Charles Okafor, made the call when he led other members of the group on a courtesy visit to the Lagos Office of the agency.
He described NAN as a major player in the media industry, saying that collaboration with the agency would give the group the much needed voice.
Okafor said that one of the focal areas of NAN was the promotion of good governance.
He said that there was need for leadership to be more accountable to followership, saying that this was a major force behind the group’s activities.
Okafor said that the group also sought to promote rights and civic education, sensitise the public on bringing leaders to accountability and promote unity and equity.
He said that the group was concerned about the tension in the polity as result of the cries of marginalisation and calls for secession.
According to him, there is an urgent need to address these issues before they got out of hands.
He said the group believed that Nigerians were better together, adding that it would tailor some of its activities toward promoting unity.
“The calls for secession are not warranted. We believe that this country will be better when we are more united.
“However, there is need for the government to do some restructuring and ensure balance and equity in the system.
“Nigerians have inter-married and invested in all parts of the country; that tells anyone that we have become one and shouldn’t fall apart,” he said.
The Head of NAN Lagos Operations, Mr Mike Mbonye, described NAN as an indisputable leader in news gathering and dissemination, with operations covering the 36 states, Federal Capital Territory and some countries.
Mbonye said that the reach of NAN was beyond compare, pledging that the agency would partner with the group on some of its activities.
“We are pleased to have you around, and we will work with you. Feel free to reach us anytime on your needs, and we will be there for you.
“Also, we will also reach you for comments and reactions on some topical national issues, and we hope when we knock on your door, you will open it.” (NAN)
LED/BHB/FLP/GOK
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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Olagoke Olatoye