From right: Plateau NUJ Chairman, Ayuku Pwaspo, State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, former governor Lalong, and the Emir of Wase, HRH Muhammadu Haruna at the event.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – The federal government has been urged to tackle insecurity, improve infrastructure, and enhance the domestic production of exportable goods if it wants the nation’s economic crisis to abate anytime soon.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Jos Business School, Ezekiel Gomos, made this known on Thursday when he delivered a keynote address at the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Week Colloquium/Award organised by the Plateau State Council of the Union in Jos.
Gomos, the Guest Speaker spoke on the topic: “Amidst Nigeria’s Economic Crisis: The Quest for Good Governance.”
He said among other things, “Nigeria’s economic crisis will not abate anytime soon because the fundamentals – inflation rate, exchange rate, and unemployment rate are very fragile. A GDP growth rate of 3.19% is too slow to reverse these fragile fundamentals. Many of the policies of the government may have been well-intentioned, but they are not well thought out.
“No matter how well-intentioned and well-thought-out economic policies are, the lack of good governance will weaken their implementation and make them ineffective. What Nigeria needs now is good governance which is effective, just, and transparent management of public resources. The government must tackle insecurity, tame inflation, cut the high cost of business, improve infrastructure, enhance domestic production of exportable goods”
Earlier the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms who represented the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, commended the State NUJ for dedicating a whole week not just for celebration but to add value to society and stated, “I am delighted to be part of this year’s Press Week organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, to remind the world of the contributions of media professionals to our society.
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“I am honoured to stand before you on this auspicious occasion to celebrate the critical role that journalists, particularly those in Plateau, have played in promoting good governance and accountability in our State. Your tireless efforts to shed light on critical issues, hold leaders accountable, and give a voice to the voiceless have not gone unnoticed.
“As Commissioner of Information and Communication, I have had the privilege of working closely with many of you, and I can attest to your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the truth. Your work has been instrumental in promoting the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration’s efforts to transform Plateau State. We acknowledge the critical role that the media plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“I want to assure you that this administration values press freedom and is committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to thrive. We will continue to engage with you, provide access to information, and support your work in any way we can.”
The State Chairman of NUJ, Ayuku Pwaspo, in a welcome remark, noted, “As a body, we are also part of the Nigerian polity, which informed our focus in this colloquium. We are here to reflect on the socio-economic state of our nation. To say that Nigerians are going through a most challenging, if not agonizing economic period is no exaggeration.
“Feeding is becoming very difficult; transportation, health care, school fees, and rent have gotten beyond the reach of most citizens. As reporters, I pause to ask, what is our responsibility in this regard? We not only owe it as a duty to report that life is becoming more unbearable for the average citizen but also contribute to setting the agenda on the path to a better life.”
The event also witnessed the giving of awards to all past Chairmen of the State Council and other deserving individuals and groups including the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong, former Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Qua’an Pan local government area, Nigeria Medical Association, Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, among others.
