Shettima Advocates for Media-Government Partnership to Deepen Democracy
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger and more collaborative partnership between the Nigerian media and the government. He urged journalists to utilize their platforms effectively to deepen democracy through constructive engagement and rigorous scrutiny of public ideas and policies.
Address at Kolade-Otitoju's Book Presentation
Shettima delivered this message in Abuja during the public presentation of "My Life and Journalists Hangout," a book commemorating the 60th birthday of veteran broadcaster and Director of News at TVC News, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju. The Vice President emphasized that the vitality and progress of any society depend not merely on the abundance of ideas but on the courage to interrogate and challenge those ideas.
"A society is diminished not by a lack of ideas, but by the absence of men and women willing to question those ideas, test them against reason, and ask the difficult questions that shield a people from the lure of easy answers," Shettima stated.
Media's Role in Democratic Governance
He stressed that the true strength of democracy extends beyond elections and institutional frameworks. According to Shettima, the character and responsibility of the media are central to shaping responsible governance and fostering an informed citizenry.
"The measure of democracy is not confined to electoral rituals or institutional frameworks. It is equally defined by the sensibility and responsibility of the media, knowing when to probe, when to caution, when to enlighten, and when to refrain from amplifying confusion," he added.
The Vice President warned against the dangers of unchallenged narratives, noting that "everything deteriorates when left unquestioned." He described the media at its best as "a republic of conscience, not a theatre of noise."
Tribute to Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Shettima paid a glowing tribute to Kolade-Otitoju, praising him as a journalist who has consistently upheld intellectual rigour and resisted complacency in public discourse. He credited the celebrant's popular programme, Journalists Hangout, with nurturing a tradition of critical engagement in Nigeria's media landscape.
"At 60, we celebrate not just the passage of time, but the substance of a life devoted to thought, inquiry, and public reasoning. You have dignified your craft, elevated your platform, and contributed meaningfully to a culture of informed debate," Shettima said.
Support from Other Dignitaries
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, commended the media for its patriotic role in promoting democratic values and national development.
Reviewer of the book, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, described the nine-chapter work as a compelling account of Kolade-Otitoju's professional journey across print and broadcast journalism. He highlighted its depth, insight, and relevance to both media practitioners and policymakers.
Earlier, the former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Danladi Bako, praised Kolade-Otitoju as a courageous and principled professional. He also commended Vice President Shettima for honouring the journalism profession by attending the event.
