Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that national security remains a top priority for the government.
Shettima’s assurance was a response to calls from TVC anchor and author, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, popularly known as BKO, urging the government to act decisively on rising insecurity.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the presentation of BKO’s book, ‘My Life and Journalists Hangout’, in Abuja.
“The essence of government is to provide security to the lives and property of the citizen.
“The president is very much concerned, and the president is leaving no stone unturned to see that the issue of security of lives and property is frontally addressed,” Shettima said.
He also praised the role of the media in democracy, describing BKO’s work as a model of integrity and courage.
“It is a celebration of documenting experience. BKO is a living template of democratic courage.
“His professional journey has been marked by intellectual seriousness.
“A democracy depends on a strong media culture. The media is not a theatre of noise. It is a republic of conscience,” the VP added.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who chaired the event, congratulated BKO on his milestone, commending his commitment to truthful reporting.
“It is indeed a moment of reflection, thanksgiving and deserving celebration. I also thank BKO for the effort to tell all sides of the story every time in a way that the truth is not compromised
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that national security remains a top priority for the government.
Shettima’s assurance was a response to calls from TVC anchor and author, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, popularly known as BKO, urging the government to act decisively on rising insecurity.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the presentation of BKO’s book, ‘My Life and Journalists Hangout’, in Abuja.
“The essence of government is to provide security to the lives and property of the citizen.
“The president is very much concerned, and the president is leaving no stone unturned to see that the issue of security of lives and property is frontally addressed,” Shettima said.
He also praised the role of the media in democracy, describing BKO’s work as a model of integrity and courage.
“It is a celebration of documenting experience. BKO is a living template of democratic courage.
“His professional journey has been marked by intellectual seriousness. “A democracy depends on a strong media culture. The media is not a theatre of noise. It is a republic of conscience,” the VP added.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who chaired the event, congratulated BKO on his milestone, commending his commitment to truthful reporting.
“It is indeed a moment of reflection, thanksgiving and deserving celebration. I also thank BKO for the effort to tell all sides of the story every time in a way that the truth is not compromised,” he said.
BKO, who turned 60 this year, spoke about the personal and professional challenges of his career.
“Sometimes I am away for a whole month due to this job. My wife is one of the most patient women that I have seen,” he said.
He also used the occasion to call on the government to provide solutions that would allow Nigerians to live safely.
“I want to see a Nigeria that is secure without the fear of bandits. To government officials, if we must get help either from America or anywhere, get their help so that our people can move around and go to their farms. The insecurity is demarketing the government of today,” BKO said.
Those in attendance were the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo; the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, among other top government officials.
