Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned Nigerian media practitioners against the growing tendency to romanticise serious national issues, describing the trend as a dangerous departure from the media’s constitutional duty of promoting truth and accountability.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Modibbo Umar, the Vice President issued the warning on Tuesday while delivering a speech at the 17th LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards held at the Old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

“We must resist the temptation to romanticise serious national issues or frame them in ways that distort public understanding,” Shettima said. “Doing so only weakens the fabric of our democracy and derails our collective efforts at nation-building.”

The Vice President’s remarks came as stakeholders in governance, business, and civil society gathered to reflect on the theme of the event, “Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism.” The conference provided a platform for thoughtful engagement on some of the country’s most pressing issues, with a focus on the responsibilities of leadership at all levels.

Shettima also used the occasion to commend LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group for its consistent contributions to national discourse and its commitment to celebrating excellence in leadership.

“I commend LEADERSHIP Newspaper for the vision to convene this vital discourse and for shining the light on those who have chosen to lead with courage and competence. May we never tire of striving for a better Nigeria,” he said.

The annual LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards continues to be a major event that brings together influential voices to deliberate on national progress and honour individuals and institutions making meaningful impact in society.

The Federal Government has commended the media for the effective coverage of the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral Update to mark the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave the commendation in an opening remark on day-three of the sectoral update on Friday in Abuja.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to Idris, the event gives the media the opportunity to engage the ministers and seek clarification on policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

“Today is the continuation of the sectoral briefing that we are getting from the various ministries.

“Yesterday, about seven ministers were here to present before you, not just their vision, but also their achievements, in the last one year of the Tinubu’s administration.

“Let me thank the distinguished members of the media for all that you have done. We have seen an extensive coverage of the proceedings here yesterday and the day before.

“You have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments and useful contributions to this briefing going on,” Idris stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the morning session is expected to have presentations from the Ministries of Health, Justice, Police Affairs, Power and Works.

The Ministers of Women’s Affairs, Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Foreign Affairs will feature in the afternoon session.

(NAN)

UN emphasises importance of press freedom as Israel shuts Al Jazeera

The United Nations has emphasised the importance of press freedom following Israel’s decision to close broadcaster Al Jazeera’s operations in the country.

“We stand firmly against any decision to roll back freedom of the press,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in New York.

“A free press provides an invaluable service to ensure that the public is informed and engaged.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet had unanimously voted to close broadcaster Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.

The move came after Israeli lawmakers approved a new media law widely referred to as the “Al Jazeera law” that gives the government powers to ban foreign broadcasters if they are deemed a risk to state security.

Al Jazeera decried the Israeli decision and vowed to pursue “all avenues” available to protect its rights and employees.

(dpa/NAN)