8 November 2009
Lagos — Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that if Africa must grow out of its debilitating problems, the media has a great role to play in changing the negative image of the continent.
Saraki made the observation in Lagos at the weekend while speaking at the dinner organized for participants of the Second African Media Leaders Forum (AMLF) by THISDAY newspapers at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Governor explained that the media has always played the leading role in the way we think and do things, pointing out that central to this role of the media was the idea of perception.
According to him, the image of Africa as being seen by the rest of the world, is that of a struggling continent and one that is stuck in poverty.
His said: "Individually, we have excelled, but as a continent, we are still seen as backward, it is not possible to change without the support of the media. However, we are changing but it is our responsibility to help us get there".
The governor appealed to media practitioners to assist Africa and Nigeria in particular to redeem the bad image being painted of the continent and of the country by the outside world.
"As long as the media don't give the leaders the chance to get there, it would not be easy to get there", the governor said, adding, "If you look at the leadership in Nigeria in the past six years, there is marked improvement which shows that we are changing".
Saraki also expressed optimism that since Africa has been playing a great role in sports, it is possible to do same in governance.
"This is the time to begin to be patriotic. The media has to show the way, we don't need to run down governors in the papers", he stated further.
In his remarks, the Chairman/Editor-in-chief of THISDAY Newspaper, and Founding Chairman of AMLF, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, commended Saraki for turning around the economy of Kwara State positively, saying that he is a role model for the new generation of Nigerian leaders.
"Saraki represents a new generation of Nigerian leadership. So, I am saying this without any fear of contradiction that a new crop of leadership is emerging in Nigeria and this is good for the development of the country", he explained.
Also speaking, the Co-President, AMFL and Manager, External Relations of the Africa Region of the World Bank, Mr. Eric Chinje had earlier chided some African leaders for their poor performance but however, gave kudos to the Kwara State Government for portraying Africa in good light. "Said he, African leaders don't impress me, but when I meet African leader that impressed me, I feel on top of the world. So, Africa needs you, Governor Saraki. I'm impressed by your leadership style and the visionary direction that you are giving your State. This young man is giving Africa inspiration", Chinje maintained.
In his contribution, the Co-President, AMLF and President, All Africa Global Media, Mr Amadou Mahtar Ba, also showered encomiums on the governor, adding, "Governor Saraki's leadership quality is superb. I am not commending him as Kwara State Governor alone but as a leader of Africa".
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