Tinubu’s reforms have boosted states’ development funds – Presidential aide

A Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu have increased resources available to states for development projects.

Onanuga stated this in Umuahia, Abia State on Tuesday during a reception organised to receive members of the Renewed Hope Projects media tour, who were in the state to inspect various projects executed in the state in collaboration with the Federal Government, as well as those undertaken by the state government.

In his speech, Onanuga said that the media tour would provide participants with the opportunity to inspect key federal and state projects objectively, as well as see the developmental strides being recorded across the country.

Onanuga highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in driving national development and praised the cordial relationship between the Federal Government and the states.

“The federal and state governments are working together for the progress of Nigerians. The resources now available to states are enabling them to undertake projects that improve the lives of citizens,” Onanuga said.

Speaking, the state governor, Alex Otti, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, described the visit as a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness of government projects and policies across the country.

Otti noted that the public depends on the media for accurate information, “hence the need for the team, not to merely report events, but to also provide context, balance and truth’.

Otti noted that in the past three years, his administration has remained committed to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance, improving infrastructure and affecting lives positively.

“Over the past three years, our administration has remained committed to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance, improving infrastructure, enhancing security, revitalisation of education and healthcare sectors, supporting businesses and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and investment.

“The progress being recorded is not merely reflected in statistics, it is visible in the renewed confidence of our people and the ongoing transformation of communities across the state, which reflects the renewed hope agenda”, the governor said.

He commended the Presidency for initiating the media tour and providing Nigerians with firsthand information on government projects.

Otti used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of grooming and mentoring the next generation of journalists, noting that the future of the profession rests in the hands of young Nigerians who are looking up to today’s media practitioners as examples.

“As they venture into various aspects of journalism, weather print, broadcast, digital media, investigative reporting, public affairs or development communication, it is imperative that they are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with strong ethical values, integrity, exercising any commitment to the public good.

“We need young professionals who understand that journalism is not merely a profession, but a public trust. We welcome scrutiny because we believe that genuine progress should be seen, assessed and reported objectively”, Otti said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, urged members of the media team to approach the assignment with professionalism, objectivity and commitment to truth.

“Your reports will help shape public understanding of the efforts being made by governments at different levels to address national challenges and improve the lives of our citizens,” Kanu stated.(Punch)