By CHARLES ONYEKWERE

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called for greater trust and cooperation between government at all levels and the media, to drive democracy and development.

He described both as co-authors of the nation?s future.

Mbah made the call during the opening of the 2025 Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu on Friday.

Speaking at the event themed ?Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion, and the Media,? Mbah advocated for more synergy between government and the media to ?build a society where progress is protected, justice is pursued, and every citizen feels seen and heard.

?We know that the relationship of trust has sometimes frayed between the press and government. Too often, our engagements are shaped by suspicion or cynicism.

?Let us change that. Let us return to a shared recognition that we are co-authors of Nigeria?s future. Democratic governance cannot succeed without the participation, and interrogation, of an informed public. And that the public relies on a press that is fair and fearless.

?Let us replace the distance with dialogue. Let us see intelligent critique as public service instead of hostility.?

He charged the media top echelon to ensure that journalism remains ?a space where truth is not compromised for sensation or political ends, where rigorous reporting triumphs.?

?We need a media that is inclusive, that gives voice to the margins, and that reflects the diversity of Nigeria?s people ? not one that dilutes or silences dissent. A press that excludes weakens democracy itself.

?And secondly, we believe accountability strengthens governance. That is why here in Enugu, we welcome scrutiny. We have opened our books, our processes, and our policies to public examination,? he added.

Mbah equally cited inclusion and innovation as pillars of a more just, progressive, and prosperous society, hence his administration?s adoption distribution of democracy dividends such as the 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, 260 Farm Estates, among others, on the basis of the 260 wards to ensure no part or segment of the state was left behind.

?Enugu is not just building roads, schools, and hospitals. We are restoring public trust. We are expanding the civic space and fostering robust dialogue, because we know governance without inclusion is fragile, and democracy without scrutiny is hollow.

?Since assuming office, inclusion has underpinned our policies. Enugu?s transformation is not confined to our urban centres. Every one of our 260 political wards is home to projects that reflect our core belief: no community is too remote, no citizen too marginal, to deserve dignity and opportunity.

?This ethos stems from our belief that a society is only as strong as its most vulnerable members.

?Through our policies, we are bridging the divide between urban and rural areas. No one?s location should determine access to quality education or reliable healthcare.

?So, in Enugu, innovation and inclusion are not slogans. They are both the foundation and pillars of our governance.

?We are connecting our people to new skills, new markets, and new possibilities. And we are doing so with an eye on the future.

?Our vision is bold: a $30 billion economy driven by enterprise and accountable leadership,? he stated.

Other speakers at the event, which witnessed the attendance of about 400 editors, media chief executives, and other top brass, include the Founder of Channels Television, Dr. John Momoh; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba; and media veteran and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

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