…as NGE inaugurates first secretariat in 55 years
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for its efforts in nation-building in the last 55years. Speaking at the inauguration of the NGE’s first secretariat in Lagos, President Buhari, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, noted that the guild had made tremendous efforts in the process of building the nation for over half a century.
The President added that the current challenges confronting the nation would be surmounted with the efforts and contributions of journalists.
He, however, assured that necessary support would be given the journalism profession to ensure its effectiveness.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on his part, implored the NGE to consider an admission of professional bloggers in the country into the association.
The information minister, who was represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, also commended the tenacity displayed by the NGE in having it’s first secretatriat in the country since its creation 55 years ago.
Mohammed also stressed that the achievements of the Guild were evidence of its commitment towards achieving a better Nigeria.
Also speaking on the occasion, Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, congragulated the NGE President, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, on the achievements of the Guild.
Ambode described the Guild’s achievements as a confirmation that Lagos remained the hub of journalism in Nigeria. Governor Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said the Guild held a big stake in building the Nigerian nation. The former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, while addressing journalists at the venue of the inauguration, said that the NGE’s achievement in successfully having its first secretariat was a testimony that the Guild had come to stay in the practice of true journalism.
Osoba, however, charged the president and members of the Guild not to shirk their professiona l responsibilities, which were part of the ingredients required for Nigeria to attain true democracy.
The President of the Guild, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, assured that the NGE would do everything possible to achieve the practice of first class journalism in Nigeria.
The inauguration of NGE secretariat was attended by prominent Nigerians and dignitaries from all walks of life.
