TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is attracting positive attention as a country that promotes media freedom.

According to a statement on Sunday by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari spoke in the light of Nigeria hosting three international events, scheduled for October and November 2022.

Nigeria will host the 2022 Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) week, organised by the United Natioducational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in October.

A global conference on tourism and creative industries, organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), is scheduled to hold in Lagos in November, while the Global Association of Literary Festivals conference will take place in Abeokuta, the Ogun capital, also in November.

Adesina said Buhari is pleased that Nigeria will host the events, adding that it shows the country is gaining positive attention globally.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged full support for three major international events scheduled to hold in Nigeria in October and November this year, saying they are opportunities to showcase the nation’s rich heritage in culture, arts, tourism and entertainment as well as advancements on media freedom,” the statement reads.

“Welcoming the decision by UNESCO, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Global Association of Literary Festivals to grant Nigeria the right to host these separate historic events, the President assures all relevant stakeholders and participants of the warmth and hospitality of the people of Nigeria.

“On MIL Week, President Buhari notes that it is instructive that Nigeria is attracting positive international attention as a country that promotes media freedom and freedom of expression, recognising the important roles information literacy and media education play in sustainable development.

“On the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism and Creative Industry, the President says the rapid growth of Nigeria’s film, fashion, music, and ICT sector, and the increase in international appeal and acceptance would continue to spur government to devote more resources to the sector.

“Among other initiatives, he recalls that the Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI), established by his administration and managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, has provided single-digit financing to many young Nigerians in the fields of fashion, film, music and information Technology.

‘The $100 million re-development of the National Theatre, Lagos, into a world-class Creative Park, is also ongoing, following the handover of the facility to CBN and the Bankers Committee.

“The Nigerian leader trusts that the literary world will find many good things to celebrate about Nigeria when they meet in the historic city of Abeokuta, homeland and birthplace of one of Nigeria’s finest literary icons and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.”

Adesina said the president is pleased to welcome the international community to the country.

He also called on Nigerians to cooperate by providing a welcoming environment through showcasing values “that make us a unique, friendly and peace-loving people”.

Meanwhile, Buhari’s comments on media freedom come amid varied reactions — including backlash — over the recent decision of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to fine some media outfits for airing documentaries on banditry.