Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has commended Nigerian journalists for their positive contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the country.
The minister gave the commendation on Saturday when hosted top media practitioners to perform the IFTAR (breaking of Ramadan fasting) in Abuja.
The event which was attended by about 50 media managers, editors and correspondents including the leadership of the National Assembly, Presidential and FCT press corps held at the Life Camp, Gwarinpa, official residence of the FCT Minister.
According to him, Nigerian journalism is very vibrant and diverse stressing that all that was needed was more constructive and result-oriented interface between the government and the media.
The Minister who said he remembers with nostalgia his days as a practicing journalist in the 1980s said that responsible media criticisms could serve as wake up calls for public officers to strive harder for common good.
While stressing that journalists have always identified with him and his administration, he urged them to consider his tenure as their own.
“Ours is a collective tenure because I am one of your own. My success is your success,” he stated.
Islamic and Christian prayers were offered, while top journalists took turns to comment on relevant issues concerning media and the FCT Administration.
A former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Mr. Emma Agu described the Minister as a role model who has given the media good representation in government.
The Chairman of FCT Press Corps, Sam Ogbeifun who works with Silverbird Television and Rhythm FM Radio said there is an uncommon synergy between the press corps and the Minister. He emphasized that the Minister has always identified with the media constituency which he treats as his own.
The Chairman of National Assembly Press Corps (House of Representatives), Mr. Emma Ovuakporie stated: “It is only a blind man who will say that you are not working.” He recalled that when he returned from Lagos to Abuja in 2008, the Kubwa – City Centre and the Airport – City Gate roads were narrow, rough and under perennial gridlock. He stated that the two roads had been transformed into first class 10-lane express roads within three years of Senator Bala Mohammed’s tenure as FCT Minister.
A former editor of New Nigerian newspaper, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu thanked the Minister for doing so much to transform FCT through many infrastructure and reform programmes such as the land swap, rail mass transit initiatives.
On his part, the Chairman of Aso Rock Presidential Villa Press Corps, Mr. Kehinde Amodu described Senator Bala Mohammed as “the best FCT Minister ever.” Mr. Amodu added: “You have represented us well. You have always identified with us as members of your own constituency.”
Speaking in similar vein, the General Manager of NTA 24, Mr. Femi Ibrahim said the best way to overcome the multiple crises confronting Nigeria is for the media to interface more with the government in nation building. He stressed that even in the developed countries of the world, the media is always in the forefront of national development.
During the session, a minute silence was observed in honour of veteran journalist, Alhaji Alade Odunewu (Allah De) who passed on Thursday last week. Senator Bala Mohammed described him as a media icon and nationalist.
