The federal government has endorsed and pledged support for the Nigeria Press Council’s (NPC) proposed national compendium on the economic and tourism potential of states across the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Press Council led by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dili Ezughah, at the Presidential Villa.
Shettima described President Bola Tinubu as a longstanding supporter of the media and a firm believer in press freedom, noting that the administration has maintained an environment conducive for journalists to operate without harassment.
“The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources with newsprints and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher, so he understands the ecosystem very well and believes in the independence of the press,” the Vice President said.
According to him, the President’s high tolerance level has allowed critics to freely express their views in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the country.
Shettima also pledged presidential backing for the NPC’s request for official national endorsement of the publication, titled “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT.” He said he would appeal to governors of the 36 states to support the initiative, stressing the pivotal role of sub-national governments in driving economic development.
Earlier, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the publication would significantly boost the tourism and creative sectors, which she described as key drivers of economic diversification.
Also speaking, Bauchi State Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau, representing Governor Bala Mohammed, said states would benefit from the initiative if approved, given their diverse tourism potentials.
