Rep. Leke Abejide (Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency, Kogi) of the Federal House of Representatives has said that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has a major role to play in the actualisation of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“To pilot this developmental strive, there is need for unity of purpose from globally and locally inclined institutions to work in tandem with programme consistent with our developmental agenda,” Persecondnews quotes the lawmaker as saying.
Abejide spoke at the 2025 Easter Cantata Concert with the theme, ‘Renewed Hope: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Unity and Progress’, organised by the NUJ FCT Chapter.
Abejide, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, said that at the inception of the Tinubu administration, expectations from the public for accelerated national development and improved standard of living were dashed by a lack of good leadership, stemming from the previous administration.
He said: “A situation of this nature produces a state of despondency that requires the courage of a leader to step on toes and do things that may produce some bitter experience at the beginning but the eventual and ultimate result would be a glorious end and light at the end of the tunnel.
“As Yoruba adage says “Adun lon gbeyin ewuro”, that is, the end result of a bitter leaf after squeezing it and having a bitter taste of it usually leaves a sweet taste.
“We appreciate the courage of the present administration in putting their hands on a plough without looking back thereby courageously piloting the economy of this nation for a hopeful future for our children and the great nation that this country has been yearning for.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of repositioning Nigeria as a global investment hub, in the transformative policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is non-negotiable.
“This agenda hinged on the core pillars of democracy, development, demographic advantages and diaspora engagement, hence an opportunity to remind both Nigerians and global community that Nigeria stands ready to embrace the future and conduct business rightfully.”
The Kogi-born lawmaker said that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy framework, it is a statement of commitment, a covenant between leadership and the people.
Abejide, who previously made a N1 million donation to the NUJ Abuja chapter for the Easter Concert, promised to provide four units of air conditioners for the building.
In his speech, FCT Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale urged the NUJ to see the nation as their own and recognize that security is everybody’s responsibility.
According to Adewale, journalists have a role to play in identifying criminals in the society.
He said: “Information is power and it can be used negatively or positively. You have the power to set the agenda, and when you set it positively, the nation will prosper. If you use it the other way round, it will snowball into crisis.
“I want to appeal to you, let us continue to practice responsible journalism. It is only by this that we can move our nation to a greater height. I want you to use all your instruments for the development of this nation because this is our home. Anywhere else we go, we are not first-class citizens, but here, we are first-class citizens.
“So let us do everything within our resources, power, and intellect to develop it. It is doable it is achievable, it is a matter of mindset.
Despite the fact that freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution, we will equally see how we can use that freedom of speech to develop our nation positively and not to put our nation into crisis. So wether you are pushing the pen or you are pulling the trigger it must be for the development of this nation.”
in a brief remarks, Alhassan Abdullahi, the NUJ National President, urged journalists to focus more on matters of national importance and security while discharging their responsibility of informing, educating and enlightening the public.
“If Nigeria is not peaceful and there is crisis, no neighbouring nation can afford to accommodate all the citizens of this country.”
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