The Association of Online Corporate Editors (ARCL), meeting in Abuja, had the honor of meeting the Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In a context marked by economic challenges and tensions, this meeting was an opportunity for ARCL members to discuss current issues in terms of information and communication.
During this meeting, it was highlighted that throughout the country’s history, successive governments have had to face food and economic crises. Initiatives such as Operation “Feed the Nation” launched by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976, or the opening of government warehouses to alleviate food shortages under the regime of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 1984, illustrate the need to promote agriculture to ensure food self-sufficiency.
Bayo Onanuga acknowledged that despite the efforts of the current government, challenges persist. However, he affirmed that significant improvements will be noticeable in the next twelve months. He stressed that the current crisis may be a reflection of a natural cycle that affects many countries at any given time, but that the government is actively working to alleviate the difficulties faced by the population.
The importance of collaboration between the ARCL and the presidential media teams was also highlighted during this meeting. In a world where information is constantly flowing across digital platforms, close collaboration is essential to ensure the responsible and effective dissemination of news. By joining forces, the media and government institutions can help ensure that the information disseminated truly serves the general interest of society.
In conclusion, this meeting highlighted the crucial importance of transparency and cooperation in the field of information. In these times of rapid change and multiple challenges, it is essential that news outlets and authorities work together to ensure reliable and effective communication. Joint efforts to inform the public in a responsible and balanced manner are of paramount importance for the proper functioning of society as a whole.