Editors from across Nigeria converged on Lagos for the Convention with the theme: ”A Nation in Recession: Whither the Nigerian Media.’’
At the end of the two day biennial convention which held April 28 to 30, the over 350 editors issued a communiqué, commending the government and people of Lagos State for hosting the confab.
The Guild also appreciated the Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for gracing the occasion to declare the Convention open.
Other observations and recommendation in the communiqué, signed by Mrs Funke Egbemode, President, and Mrs Victoria Ibanga, General Secretary, include the following;
- The country’s economic recession has impacted negatively on all sectors of the society and particularly the media industry.
- In spite of the challenges, the media still plays a key role in educating the populace on how to revive the nation’s economy.
- To play this role more effectively, there is a need for synergy among stakeholders in the media industry in an effort to collectively tackle the challenges.
- The media should consequently intensify efforts in promoting government’s policies on economic diversification.
- Government’s efforts towards diversification of the economy are well commended, with the Central Bank of Nigeria for moderating the exchange rate, therefore Nigerians should support the Made in Nigeria posture of the apex bank in diversifying the economy.
- Media organizations are to focus more on training and retraining of media professionals for better service delivery while urging the leadership of the Guild to concretize ongoing discussions with the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on training opportunities for members.
- Members are commended for a transparent and peaceful election process of a new executive.
