Federal, state collaboration driving development- Onanuga

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said that the growing collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-nationals was accelerating development across the country.

Onanuga said this on Tuesday during a reception organised by the Abia Government for members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Media Tour Team in Umuahia.

The presidential aide, who is also the leader of the team, said the media team came to conduct a tour of key federal and state projects.

He added that the tour was designed to give journalists the opportunity to objectively assess the projects and witness ongoing developmental strides firsthand.

“The federal and state governments are working together for the progress of Nigerians.

“The resources now available to states are enabling them to undertake projects that improve the lives of citizens,” he said.

Onanuga noted that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms had increased resources available to states for development projects.

He emphasised the importance of synergy between the national and sub-national governments in driving development and delivering democratic dividends to the people.

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia charged members of the media tour team to discharge their duties with professionalism, objectivity and accuracy.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, described the visit as a significant step towards promoting public awareness of government projects and policies.

He said that the public depended on the media not only to report events but also to provide context, balance and truth.

“In carrying out this responsibility, I urge you to remain steadfast in the principles of professionalism, objectivity, fairness and accuracy.

“The pursuit of truth must always remain the guiding principle of journalism.

“As custodians of public information, your words and reports have the power to unite or divide, inspire confidence or create doubt, and promote understanding or misconceptions,” he said.

The governor encouraged the team to visit project sites, institutions and communities across the state to witness ongoing transformations firsthand.

Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance, infrastructure renewal, enhanced security, revitalisation of education and healthcare, and support for economic growth.

“The progress being recorded is not merely reflected in statistics; it is visible in the renewed confidence of our people and the transformation taking place across communities,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, said that the visit reflected the growing spirit of collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia Government in advancing development and improving the welfare of the people.

Kanu urged members of the media team to approach the assignment with professionalism and commitment to truth.

He noted that their reports would help shape public understanding of government efforts at different levels to address national challenges and improve citizens’ lives.