Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that national security remains a top priority for the government.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday, March 30, while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the presentation of Babajide Kolade-Otitoju’s (BKO) book, My Life and Journalists Hangout, in Abuja, following calls from the TVC anchor for decisive action on rising insecurity.
“The essence of government is to provide security to the lives and property of the citizen. The president is very much concerned, and the president is leaving no stone unturned to see that the issue of security of lives and property is frontally addressed,” Shettima said.
He also praised the media’s role in democracy, describing BKO’s work as a model of integrity and courage.
“It is a celebration of documenting experience. BKO is a living template of democratic courage. His professional journey has been marked by intellectual seriousness.
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“A democracy depends on a strong media culture. The media is not a theatre of noise. It is a republic of conscience,” the Vice President added.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who chaired the event, congratulated BKO on the milestone, commending his commitment to truthful reporting.
“It is indeed a moment of reflection, thanksgiving and deserving celebration. I also thank BKO for the effort to tell all sides of the story every time in a way that the truth is not compromised,” he said.
BKO, who turned 60 this year, spoke about personal and professional challenges during his career and called on the government to ensure Nigerians can live safely.
“I want to see a Nigeria that is secure without the fear of bandits. To government officials, if we must get help either from America or anywhere, get their help so that our people can move around and go to their farms. The insecurity is demarketing the government of today,” he said.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Governors of Kogi, Ahmed Ododo; Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Borno, Babagana Zulum, among other top government officials.