By Peter Okolie
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concerns over the nation’s crippling economy, insecurity, failing education system, poor governance, and a struggling media industry.
President of NGE, Mr Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, stated this in a communique made available to newsmen on Monday in Owerri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique was issued following a Standing Committee meeting of the editors in Owerri.
The NGE stated that in spite of the Federal Government’s reforms to address the challenges, its impact were becoming unbearable for the poor masses.
The Guild urged the Federal Government to put in place more safety nets to address hardship, inflation, and poverty.
The Guild also called for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
“The NGE notes the recent major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list, the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda,” the communique stated.
It however, emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence in farmers to return to producing food.
The group also raised alarm in the education sector, noting the sorry state of education in the country.
It urged governments at all levels to prioritise education by improving funding, infrastructure renewal, and welfare for educators.
According to the Guild, education is essential for economic growth and development, fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
The NGE also called on governments at all levels to be more committed and transparent in addressing the needs of citizens, especially the rural populace.
Speaking on the state of the media in the country, the Guild condemned growing hostilities against media organizations and professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors.
The editors, therefore, called on governments to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.
They warned against attempts to weaken the media, stating that “a weak media may fail to hold those in power accountable, limit access to information, and create a disconnect between the public and reality.”
The Guild thanked Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo for his efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to his people.
They urged him to continue partnering with the media towards nation-building and promotion of peace and unity.
(NAN)
