Being Text of a Speech by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma) on the Occasion of the Commissioning Ceremony of the Nasarawa State Government House Press Centre and Protocol Lounge, Tuesday, 15th December, 2009.

Protocol

I am pleased to address you today on this occasion of the commissioning ceremony of:
Nasarawa State Government House Press Centre; and, the Government House Protocol Lounge.

I welcome our special guest of honour, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Mallam Usman Magawata, as well as the crème of professional media men who have joined us today to witness this event.

Ladies and gentlemen, the mission and vision of this Administration include the enhancement of the general welfare and security of our people. Towards this end, a 13-Point Agenda was formulated to transform the socio-economic conditions of the State.

To achieve these objectives, we did not forget the significance of partnership with a vibrant, informed and patriotic press in helping to sensitise and mobilise the people towards the implementation and sustenance of our policies and programmes.

We believe that a free press is necessary for effective dissemination of information and in serving as an institution for mass education, mobilisation and public enlightenment. We also appreciate that the dissemination of information about the policies, programmes and activities of Government is one of the important functions of the Press in a democratic dispensation.

The Press is therefore a necessary partner in governance. I trust that our press will continue to discharge this responsibility with patriotism, professionalism and respect for ethics in the defence of democracy and national development.

Conscious of the role of the media as partners in progress, this Administration considered it necessary to construct, furnish and equip a modern Press Centre to meet the aspirations and expectations of journalists in the State. We believe that the Centre which was built and equipped at the cost of N70million will provide the necessary facilities for free and easy access to information gathering and dissemination in a more conducive working environment.

Additionally, modern Information and Communication Technologies have been provided to link up with other media organisations, worldwide, for effective recording, documentation and dissemination of information about the State.

At this juncture, I need to commend the existing cordial relationship between this Administration and the media in Nasarawa State. I urge our journalists to continue to sustain this partnership and to make the best use of the opportunity provided by this Centre for the enhancement of your operational responsibilities.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lafia for their determination and commitment in the discharge of their responsibilities to the people of the State in spite of operational challenges usually associated with new establishments.
 
In the same vein, I would like to make a special appeal to the Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority to facilitate the earliest take-off of the NTA community stations in Akwanga and Keffi; so as to maximise NTA coverage in Nasarawa State to meet the yearnings and expectations of our people. On our part, I want to assure the Director-General of our cooperation and understanding in this regard.

Ladies and gentlemen, another component of this ceremony is the commissioning of our Government House Protocol Lounge. The Lounge is conceived to provide the necessary protocol facilities and comfort for our visitors and guests.

I need not emphasise the place of protocols in governance, image-building and generation of goodwill. The lounge was built, furnished and equipped at the cost of N78million.

Ladies and gentlemen, to conclude this address, I must thank the Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority for accepting our invitation to be our Special Guest of Honour in spite of your usually crowded schedules. We appreciate your support and encouragement.

It is my hope, and indeed my expectation, that this mutually beneficial relationship between the NTA and Nasarawa State will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead for the benefit of all.

Thank you and God bless.