Media Vital To Development, Says Gov Ahmed

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has disclosed that the mass media plays a critical role in the development of the Country.

The Governor made this disclosure while receiving the delegation, International Press Institute (IPI), World Congress Committee, led by the Former Director-General of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Dr Tonnie Iredia, at the government house, Ilorin on Monday.

Alhaji Ahmed noted that the media goes beyond information dissemination but is rather a strong instrument for effective change in attitude, values and perception.

Governor Ahmed, therefore, expressed support for constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press and freedom of speech, adding that a free media ensures citizens are well informed while stimulating lively debate about government programs which can then serve as valuable feedback for governance.

Furthermore, the governor urged the media and the IPI to strengthen its surveillance, agenda-setting and information functions especially at this critical time in the country’s history.

Earlier in his address, the leader of the IPI delegation, Dr Tonnie O. Iredia disclosed that the team was in the state on a sensitization tour on the institutes forthcoming world congress, themed “Why Journalism Matters; Quality Media For Strong Societies”.