Expert Attributes Good Governance to Economic Development
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
A Jos based economic expert, the chief executive officer and lead consultant of Jos business school, Ezekiel Gomos,
has disclosed that corruption and poor leadership is responsible for the deteriorating economy in Nigeria.
Gomos made the disclosure on Thursday at the Crispan Hotel Jos, when he featured as a guest speaker during the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Colloquium to mark 2024 press week.
The guest speaker who is also a former secretary to the state government with who spoke on the Colloquium titled:” Amidst Nigeria’s Economic crisis: the quest for good governance.” identified good governance which embedded on accountability and transparency by leaders as a remedy for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
Gomos, explained that over the years successive Nigeria’s administration failed to make deliberate effort in addressing the economy leading citizens to excruciating poverty and hunger.
While calling on the current leadership to make huge sacrifice in changing the narratives, he disclosed that to achieve this is to actively tackle insecurity, tame inflation, stabilize exchange rate, stem corruption, curtail high cost of doing business, improve infrastructure, enhance domestic production of exportable goods and policy consistency.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang said his administration acknowledged the critical role the media plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Governor Mutfwang, who was represented by the commissioner of information and communication, Musa Ashoms, who is also overseeing the ministry of Tourism, culture and hospitality, said, “We are proud of the progress we have made so far, from improving healthcare delivery to enhancing education and infrastructure development, among many other achievements.
“I want to assure you that this administration values press freedom and is committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to thrive….”
The immediate past governor of Plateau and senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong admits that without journalists, society will not witness the growth that comes with freedom, diversity, morality, peace and tolerance.
He assured to continued strengthening and collaboration with the media for effective development.
The NUJ National President,
Dr. Chris Isiguzo, MFR represented by the North Central zone D vice President, Chris Atsaka, commended the Plateau State council, for organizing such a laudable program at a time that the topic of discussed is mostly needed.
Earlier, chairman NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, noted “as a body, we are also part of the Nigerian polity which informed our focus in this colloquium. We are here to reflect on the socio-economic state of our nation.
“To say that Nigerians are going through a most challenging, if not agonizing economic period is no exaggeration. Feeding is becoming more and more difficult; transportation, health care, school fees, rent have gotten beyond the reach of most citizens. As reporters, I pause to ask, what is our responsibility in this regard?
“My dear colleagues, we not only owe it as a duty to report that life is becoming more and more unbearable for the average citizen, but also contribute to setting the agenda on the path to better”, she stated.
Our correspondent reports that NUJ during the occasion confered a distinguished award of excellence to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Senator Simon Lalong, David Ombugadu, former member, House of Representatives, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, CEO Solidunit Nig Ltd, and Christopher Audu Manship, Immediate past Chairman, Qua’an Pan LGA.
Others were Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Plateau State chapter, Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) as well as Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA).
The Union also recognized its 16 Chairman who had served the state council meritoriously including post humorous who were represented by their immediate family members.
The one week long activities will be rounded up with Juma’at Prayer, first ever organized Cultural night and Thanksgiving service.
