NIGERIA: President Tinubu Urges Media To Champion True Federalism At Interfaith Iftar With Executives

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian media practitioners to actively support and promote the principles of true federalism, emphasizing the role of his administration’s reforms, particularly local government autonomy, in unlocking grassroots development and accountability across all tiers of government.

The President made the appeal during an interfaith breaking of fast (Iftar) dinner held at the State House, Abuja, where he hosted media executives, newspaper proprietors, and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

The event, coinciding with the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons, brought together key figures from Nigeria’s media landscape for a shared moment of reflection and dialogue.

President Tinubu commended the media for their critical role and intellectual engagement under his administration.

He highlighted the bold economic reforms implemented to rescue Nigeria from the brink of bankruptcy, reaffirming his unwavering patriotic commitment to national improvement.

“I took these decisions to reform various aspects of the economy to save Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated, urging the media to partner in the broader responsibility of nation-building.

The President specifically pointed to the enhanced autonomy for local governments, which has ensured direct allocation of funds to the third tier.

He stressed that this development has “opened up the principle of federalism,” enabling greater resources for states and local governments.

He tasked the media with scrutinizing activities at these levels, holding them accountable, and ensuring that development reaches the grassroots.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for fostering an enabling environment for the media and for his consistent support of press freedom and operations.

Representing the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), President Frank Aigbogun (also known as the publisher of BusinessDay) raised concerns about challenges facing media survival in the country.

He appealed for presidential intervention, particularly on the exemption of import tariffs on media equipment to alleviate operational costs and protect jobs in the industry.

In response, President Tinubu promised to look into the matter, signaling his willingness to address the sector’s pressing needs.

The gathering underscored the administration’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders during the holy month, building on similar interfaith Iftar events with governors, traditional leaders, religious figures, and security chiefs.

It highlighted the President’s push for collaborative nation-building, with the media positioned as a vital partner in deepening federalism, ensuring transparency, and driving

equitable progress nationwide.