The Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the Federal Government’s support for the Nigeria Press Council’s national compendium documenting the economic and tourism potentials of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Shettima, speaking on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the NPC led by its Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr. Dili Ezughah, described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a friend of the media who strongly supports press independence. He noted that for the past three years, journalists in Nigeria have operated without harassment under the current administration.
“The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources, with newsprints and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher, so he knows the ecosystem very well, and he believes in the independence of the press,” Shettima said.
The Vice President pledged to support the NPC’s bid to obtain official national endorsement for the publication and said he would appeal to governors across the 36 states to participate in the project. He stressed that subnational buy-in is critical because “the subnationals own the land, own the people. Their role is very pivotal in really pushing this country forward.”
The compendium, titled “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT,” aims to showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets, cultural heritage, and creative industries to attract investment and gain global recognition. Shettima expressed hope that the publication would help “sell Nigeria to the world” and be widely circulated in embassies.
Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa highlighted the significance of the compendium for the tourism and creative economy sectors, while Bauchi State Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau, speaking on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, said that if approved, every state would benefit based on its tourism potential.
Dr. Ezughah thanked the Vice President for the audience and acknowledged his consistent support for sub-national economic development and national coordination, emphasizing the strategic importance of the national compendium.
