Gov Otu’s Aide lauds Media over contributions to democratic governance
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Digital Economy, Mr. Philip Obin, says the pen is mightier than the Sword, asserted that Journalists has reshaped Nigeria democratic milestone through their reportage.
He said “People rose up to say the pen is mightier than the sword. This principle has brought us to the uninterrupted democracy we enjoy today,” he stated.
Obin also remarked that the profound impact of the media in the country is shaping Nigeria democracy.
Obin made the remarks on Tuesday in his office in Calabar while outlining the government’s plans for youth empowerment programs, highlighting the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
Obin expressed his appreciation for the writing profession, stating, “Writing is one of the best things you can do for your mind. It develops thought and creativity.” Reflecting on his childhood admiration for the profession, he noted, “I believe stakeholders in this field are underappreciated. We need to do more to advocate for our own advancement.”
The adviser recalled his experiences during a communal conflict in Jhansi, where the power of writing changed the course of events.
He said, “I still believe that the pen is mightier than the sword. I come from an area, particularly in Jhansi, where we had a communal war for the first six years. All the guns, all the ammunition, and the knife of that war, it took the pen to write to the President and they deployed soldiers and the ruler’s returned, and there is peace today. So the pen is always mightier than the sword.”
“In those tumultuous times, it was my pen that reached the authorities, ultimately leading to peace,” he stressed. “The pen has always been mightier than the sword.”
“If we can use the power of the pen to effect change in our democracy, we can certainly employ it to enhance our personal economies.”
He said, “It’s crucial for young Nigerians aged 18 to 40 to leverage this fund, which offers financial support ranging from N3 million to N100 million,” he explained, adding that those with viable business ideas can access these funds to launch or upscale their ventures.
He elaborated, “The government has set aside N110 billion for this initiative, aiming to empower youth who can demonstrate a solid business plan.” To be eligible, applicants must possess a Nigerian BVN and NIN, have a registered business, and submit a comprehensive business plan detailing financial projections and marketing strategies” he advised.
Obin also confirmed that his office has been proactive in registering youth for the NYIF, noting, “In the last month, we’ve had between 50 to 100 volunteers assisting in the registration process. We managed to register nearly 10,000 applicants.”
Obin urges the youth of Cross River State to actively evaluate the government’s business funding initiative, advising the youth to ensure their participation in significant numbers.
He shared his hopes for Cross River State to meet its quotas for the program in the future, declaring, “This is a crucial step towards empowering our youth and ensuring we receive our fair share of resources.”
