The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on the federal government to address the country’s economic and security challenges, urging the government to implement more safety nets to address hardship, inflation, and poverty.
The NGE also expressed deep concern over the nation’s multifaceted challenges, especially in other areas such as education, governance, and the media industry.
The Guild stated these in a communiqué signed by its president, Eze Anaba, and secretary general, Onuoha Ukeh, which was issued at the end of its standing committee meeting in Owerri, Imo State.
While noting the federal government’s efforts to respond to these challenges through reforms, the NGE stated that the impact of these reforms is becoming unbearable for the poor.
The Guild also called for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to address some of these challenges, the NGE noted the recent 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.
However, it emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence in farmers’ ability to return to producing food.
The Guild also raised alarm in the education sector, noting the sorry state of education in the country and 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 organisations and professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors, calling on governments to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.
The editors 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.”
