The Minister of Interior, Dr Olabunmi Tunji- Ojo, yesterday, assured the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, partnership for better service delivery.
Tunji-Ojo stated this during a courtesy visit led by the Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, in his office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He also congratulated Comrade Ike and the new exco for their landslide victory, and also acknowledged the doggedness, innovative and creative ability imbedded in Comrade Grace Ike based on his working relationship with her while he was a Member in the House of Representatives at the National Assembly.
He said with her leadership there will be drastic change in the welfare, service delivery and professionalism of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also stated the Ministry’s support will be given to the FCT NUJ in order to compliment the Ministry’s work as an organ of government saddled with the responsibility of protecting citizenship integrity and ensuring internal security.
He said: “We will need you to be able to let Nigerians know where we are taking them to relying on what you are going to do.
“I think the nitty gritty would be worked out, but consider me, my support and collaboration with my agencies and Ministry as given, because we will do it and I believe we can help you to succeed the way you also help us to succeed, so it is symbiotic. So be rest assured of my support.
“In any society, the media is the watchdog that ensures checks-and-balances of issues, particularly in speaking truth to power while ensuring that leaders live up to their responsibilities in line with established mandates of government.”
Meanwhile, earlier, the FCT NUJ Chairman, Grace Ike, explained that the visit and interaction underscores the importance of collaboration between government officials and media outlets in promoting national development and awareness.
Comrade Ike also pointed out that focus on fostering collaboration and discussing issues relevant to both parties to include press freedom, media-government relations, or national security concerns is paramount.
She said: “We must commend your effort in addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities through several strategies
“As Minister of Interior you have achieved several notable milestones such as; Passport Backlog Clearance significantly improving service delivery at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
“Criminal Justice Reform: Your efforts have led to the release of 4,000 inmates from correctional centers by clearing fines and compensations worth N585 million. This demonstrates a commitment to rehabilitation over punitive measures.
“Infrastructure Development: initiating the rehabilitation of correctional facilities and established state-of-the-art data centers for enhanced border management.
“Personnel Promotion: An unprecedented promotion of 32,361 personnel across various agencies under your ministry is highly recommendable.
” Innovative Reforms: Introduced user-friendly e-platforms for visa applications and enhanced e-passport facilities abroad
“Overall as NUJ FCT in the nations capital where u oversee as we are committed to working with you to improve.”
She also highlighted areas the FCT NUJ wants to partner with the Ministry of Interior, “To partner with the Ministry of Interior, we can benefit a lot in the following strategies; Collaborative Reporting: Work closely with the Ministry’s Press and Public Relations Unit to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information about its policies and projects.
“Public Awareness Campaigns: Assist in promoting public awareness campaigns on issues like migration management, security, and citizenship integrity.
“Transparency Advocacy: Encourage transparency by reporting on initiatives such as business permit reforms and public-private partnerships.
“Feedback Mechanism: Provide a platform for public feedback on Ministry initiatives, helping to monitor public opinions and reactions.”
ther members of the delegation include Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Treasurer of Council, Comrade Sandra Udeike, Comrade Ebriku John Friday and Alhaji Mahmud Isa.
