APPMEN unveils ‘Nigerian Leadership We Want Ambassadors’ at 5th Anniversary, pledges support for good governance; national cohesion
By Toffa Momoh, Abuja
The promotion of editorial excellence and the media businesses across the country in the defence of a common goal of facilitating journalism practice in Nigeria has become a core priority.
This was the views of the Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishments of Nigeria, APPMEN, on the occasion of its 5th anniversary, award presentation and unveiling of the ‘Nigerian Leadership We Want Ambassadors’ at the Merit House, Maitama on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the epoch-making ceremony, the National President of APPMEN, Precious Enebuse, who reckoned that, in the twilight of the President Muhammadu Buhari government, demoralized citizens and other segments of the media, lost confidence in that administration owing to problems ranging from insurgency, attack by bandits, Herdsmen attacks, kidnapping and other social vices, including the crushing effect of a depressed economy on the masses, pledged that APPMEN will continue to play significant role to enhance good governance in Nigeria.
The APPMEN President also noted that the aim and objective of the association is to support the government’s efforts towards good governance and national cohesion.
‘‘Today marks five good years of our existence as an association, and we are using the occasion to inaugurate the Ambassadors of our pet project: The Nigeria Leadership We Want, as well as present awards of recognition to distinguished personalities.
‘‘Your presence here, particularly as an Ambassador designate of the APPMEN-The Nigerian Leadership We Want (TNLWW) project, tells a remarkable story about who you really are intrinsically. It is a testimonial to one fact: that electing you was not a miscalculation.
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishments of Nigeria is registered in Nigeria under the CAC Act. The Association is a coalition of 25 owners of private news media organisations comprising TV, Radio, Print and Online news outfits registered in Nigeria, which had come together under the umbrella of the Association with the common goal of facilitating journalism practice and promoting editorial excellence and the media businesses across the country, housing over 300 media professionals. The Association has been in operation since 2015.
‘‘Today, you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that things are getting tougher every other day round the country. In particular, the cost of all manner of goods and services are on the increase, but our purchasing power is increasingly becoming weaker.
‘‘It is unfortunate that the Tinubu government having inherited the problems of the Buhari led administration is yet to impress a large percentage of Nigerians who are going through this very trying moment.
‘‘We, at APPMEN, as an umbrella body for private media owners in Nigeria, and as patriotic citizens, know that our service does not start and end with news gathering and dissemination.
‘‘One of the reasons why we created APPMEN was to support the government’s efforts to make our country secure and peaceful, and keep our people united.
‘‘We want to be seen as a new segment of the news media that is trying to build a better society. We want to be seen as partners for a stronger Nigeria.
It is to make more practical our commitment at ensuring promotion of national unity, peace and progress, and Political stability in Nigeria that APPMEN leadership initiated a civic responsibility advocacy project known as “The Nigerian Leadership We Want” (TNLWW). The project is an area where we would welcome collaboration with all and sundry.
‘‘The Project is a framework for social transformation in countries in Africa. It is a roadmap for a nation’s development based on the aspirations of its people and their vision for a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful nation. Its major goal includes holding democratic leadership accountable and making it work and delivering good services.
‘‘APPMEN is in partnership with THE LEADERSHIP WE WANT (TLWW) Africa project. We are midwifing the Nigerian version of the project: a.k.a. The Nigerian Leadership We Want (TNLWW) project. Soon, we shall be presenting the TNLWW Agenda officially before the Government. In due course, we shall make available the TLWW Nigeria Policy Direction Document to you and the general public.
‘‘Through The Nigerian Leadership We Want project, we are bringing together people who are determined to make a positive difference in helping Nigerians have their voices heard on the main stage. And we invite all to join this movement.’’
Speaking earlier during his opening address, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ayeni Clement said the unveiling of the ‘Nigerian Leadership We Want Ambassadors,’ was a bold step in the right direction to achieving a transparent and accountable leadership in Nigeria.
‘‘Today marks another year of Growth and we thank the most-high God for his support. I pray that from inception to this point and beyond, APPMEN will remain forward ever, backward never. May God reward every one of you who has shown great love and support to this group. Continue to show your love and support. APPMEN is growing. Today, we are here to see it unveil its pet project: The Nigerian Leadership We Want. The project is a great step towards achieving accountable leadership in this nation. We want good leadership from those who are ruling over us. “The leaders we want” must be people who are ready to pull us out of the state of poverty and insecurity, stop diseases, reduce the high cost of hospital bills, reduce the high cost of shelter, reduce the high cost school fees and manage our schools and children well. Solve the problem of hunger. Provide employment. Reduce the cost of governance. Build standard quality roads. So on and so forth.
This event welcomes all, particularly the Honorary National Patrons and Ambassadors who are here for investiture. Awards will be given to deserving individuals who have excelled in leadership capacities, having invested immensely in the social and economic growth of this nation. I congratulate the recipients in advance. It was President John Quincy Adams, the 6th president of the United States who said that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader.” These words should serve as the motto of everyone and all leaders, particularly those from Nigeria.’’
Dignitaries that graced the occasion include Her Excellency, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha; former First Lady of Imo State, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro; former Inspector General of Police, Iyom Josephine Anenih; Life Member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Prince Ayeni Ajayi Clement, Chairman/CEO of Rubbaj Construct Ltd; His Royal Highness, Amb. David Kingston Okey-Dede, Eze Igbo of Maitama II District Abuja; Amb. Dr. Dele Joseph Omenogor, Odogwu Adi Ebuo of Amai Kingdom, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau, President of National Council of Women Societies, Amb. Dr. Stella Rita Awele Asogwa, CEO of Mariano Chinese Restaurant, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Barr. Ogochukwu Ezugwu, Principal Partner, Ogochukwu Ezugwu and Associates, Prof. Olumuyiwa Ezekiel Babalola, Director General, World Peace Organization, Prof. Phillip Oyadiran Adeyinka, President of Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria, Mr. Olugbenga Femi Ogunlusi, former Chief Operation Officer, Globacom Benin Republic, Olorogun Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesibve, former Executive Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Communication among others.
