Explore political opportunities for ‘national good’,  publisher urges Nigerians 

Explore political opportunities for ‘national good’, publisher urges Nigerians

Opportunities

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The publisher of ThisNigeria newspaper, Mr Eric Osagie, has urged Nigerians to explore the politics of Nigeria for the good of the nation and the citizenry.

Osagie made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the second edition of ThisNigeria Newspaper Gold Prize and Annual Lecture Awards.

The event is themed: “25 Years of Nigeria’s Unbroken Democracy – Prospects and Possibilities.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ThisNigeria held its maiden Annual Lecture and Gold Prize themed “National Cohesion for Sustainable Growth and Progress: The Nigerian Dilemma” in 2021.

Osagie urged Nigerians not to be tired of talking and engaging the nation’s polity and democracy, to be able to leverage and take advantage of the enormous opportunities in the country.

He said that if the nation would be good, it was in the hands of Nigerians.

“We believe that in ThisNigeria, a newspaper is a nation talking to itself. We can never get tired of exploring Nigerian politics and the situation; we must keep engaging,” he said.

The publisher said that the newspaper, which started on Sept. 28, 2020, had continued to maintain its strong ground in setting remarkable records in excellent journalism.

”We started during COVID-19. We decided to start at that time because when there is a crisis that is when there is an opportunity.

“The simple logic was that the nation was sick and when we all get well, we will all get well together. That was the simple logic behind starting in 2020.

“If Nigeria will not work, it is Nigerians that will not make it work. So, we will continue to provide platforms like this to engage,” he said.

Speaking to NAN on the sideline of the event, Mr Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, said that the event highlighted the crucial role of journalism in shaping public opinion, promoting accountability, and nurturing democratic values.

Idris, who was represented by the Managing Director, NAN, Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, said that the gathering marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, reflecting on achievements and future prospects.

He said that the event acknowledged the newspaper’s commitment to provide a platform for national dialogue and recognising excellence.

He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication to upholding freedom of expression and press freedom alongside the responsibilities that came with it.

According to him, reflecting on the nation’s progress and the persistent challenges, with a focus on recent reforms is aimed at economic growth and development.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms, aimed at sustainable economic growth.

He called on Nigerians to remain patient and steadfast as the nation implements necessary reforms for a better future.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, won the prestigious ThisNigeria Gold Prize for his “Infrastructural Revolution and Exceptional Leadership.”

A survey by the Public Sector Performance Index highlighted his significant contributions to FCT’s infrastructure, security, health, and education within eight months.

Other Gold Prize winners include Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State for Courage in Leadership.

Others are Gov.  Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State for Peace Building and Innovative Leadership, and Mr Jim  Obazee, Special Investigator for CBN, in the Public Service category.

Mr Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies, also received a Public Service Award for his contributions to labour capacity and government workforce engagement.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

AIR/KAE/AMM

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman and Abiemwense Moru