The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that the economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu have boosted the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to undertake more developmental projects.
Onanuga made the remark on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State, during a reception held for participants of the Renewed Hope Projects Media Tour.
The team was in the state to inspect projects jointly executed by the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, as well as initiatives solely undertaken by the state administration.
According to him, the media tour is designed to give participants firsthand access to major projects across the country, allowing them to objectively assess ongoing developments and government interventions.
He stressed the value of cooperation between federal and state authorities in advancing national growth and commended the positive working relationship that exists between both levels of government.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, described the visit as an important initiative for enhancing transparency, accountability and public understanding of government programmes and projects nationwide.
The governor emphasised the media’s responsibility in providing citizens with reliable information, noting that journalists must go beyond reporting events to ensure balanced and accurate coverage.
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’.
Reflecting on his administration’s performance, the governor said his government has focused on restoring public confidence through openness in governance, infrastructure development and programmes aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
“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.
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“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 further applauded the Presidency for organising the media tour, saying it offers Nigerians an opportunity to obtain direct information about government projects and achievements.
Otti also highlighted the need to nurture the next generation of journalists, stressing that young practitioners must be equipped with both professional competence and strong ethical standards as they prepare to take up roles across various media platforms.
“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, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, welcomed the media delegation and encouraged members of the team to carry out their assignment with fairness, professionalism and dedication to factual reporting.
“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.