By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia
THE NIGERIAN Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised alarm over the growing hardship confronting citizens, citing the strain of economic reforms, persistent insecurity, the crisis in education, and increasing threats to press freedom.
In a communiqué released at the end of its Standing Committee Meeting in Owerri, Imo State, the Guild acknowledged the Federal Government’s reform initiatives but stressed that their impact has become unbearable for the poor.
It urged the government to introduce additional safety nets to cushion citizens against inflation, poverty, and widespread hardship.
The Guild stated that insecurity continues to pose serious challenges to national stability and called for a holistic approach involving strengthened intelligence gathering, community policing, and deeper collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
It commended recent security breakthroughs, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list, among them the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda.
It, however, maintained that sustained operations are needed to restore confidence and enable farmers to return to food production.
On education, the professional body decried what it described as the sorry state of the sector, urging governments at all levels to prioritise education by improving funding, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing the welfare of educators.
The Guild emphasised that education remains essential to economic growth and development, fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
The communiqué also addressed governance, calling for stronger commitment and transparency from leaders in responding to the needs of citizens, especially those in rural areas.
It stressed that governance must be more inclusive and citizen-centred if the country is to achieve sustainable progress.
Turning to media issues, the Guild condemned the increasing hostility faced by journalists and media organisations from some security agencies and non-state actors.
It urged governments to see the media as partners in deepening and protecting democracy rather than adversaries.
The communiqué warned against efforts to weaken the media, noting that “a weak media may fail to hold those in power accountable, limit access to information, and create a disconnect between the public and reality.”
The editors expressed appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what they described as his efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
They encouraged him to continue working with the media in the interest of nation-building, peace, and unity.
The Guild’s statement reflected concern over the intersection of economic hardship, governance lapses, and security threats, stressing that each requires urgent and sustained response.
It reaffirmed its position that without a strong media and functional education system, the challenges of poverty and insecurity will remain unresolved.
