In recognition of his unwavering support for media practitioners in the country, Governor Nasir Idris has approved the hosting of the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum’s Annual Summit by the Kebbi State Government.
This approval comes just two months after Governor Idris successfully hosted the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The Governor approved a request from the Forum’s Executive Committee, led by its Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Yelwa, during a courtesy visit at the Kebbi Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, on Thursday.
Governor Idris said the decision to host the summit stems from his firm belief that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, remains a critical stakeholder in the advancement and sustenance of democracy worldwide.
He stressed that his decision to host the NUJ NEC meeting a few months ago was also driven by this belief in the patriotic role the media plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
According to the Governor, the achievements and impacts of any democratic government can only be validated through responsible media reportage and analysis at all levels.
Sharing the secret behind his administration’s modest successes, Governor Idris attributed it to judicious resource management, transparency, accountability, stakeholder consultation, and prioritisation of impactful developmental programmes and projects.
He highlighted key sectors receiving focused attention, including education, agriculture, healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, all yielding tangible positive results.
The Governor also disclosed that a revamped and expanded economic empowerment programme—targeted at boosting beneficiary numbers across multiple economic sectors—will be launched during his second-anniversary celebration next month.
The Governor commended working journalists and media organisations in Kebbi State for their consistent public enlightenment efforts. He noted that their diligent publicity of his administration’s strides had earned widespread public recognition for the state.
Earlier, the Forum’s Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Yelwa, stated that their courtesy visit was prompted by the widely acknowledged developmental progress recorded under Governor Idris’ leadership.
“Your Excellency, it is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the inclusion of our National Summit in the activities marking your impactful second year in office,” Yelwa said.
He noted that approving the request would provide forum members an opportunity to highlight Kebbi State’s remarkable achievements through their radio and television stations, as well as national network programmes produced by other affiliated stations across the country.
Yelwa explained that the Forum comprises proprietors of over 100 National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)-licensed radio and television stations in the North, as well as Nigerian Bureau Chiefs of international broadcast media, veteran columnists, and renowned public affairs analysts.
Also present at the courtesy visit were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman Ankwe; the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida; and the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru.
