…Conferred Grandpatron of DICAN
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has tasked the diplomatic correspondents deployed to report activities of the Ministry on patriotism and diplomacy to protect Nigeria interests globally.
Tuggar was also conferred the Grandpatron of DICAN for his innovative role in enhancing Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tuggar congratulated DICAN for successful election process, which he noted that it is very important and significant, especially under this administration that continues to emphasize the importance of diplomacy and for foreign policy agenda, Diplomacy, Democracy, Development, democracy and Diaspora.
He said: “For us we both bear a very heavy burden of responsibility, Diplomatic Correspondents just like the ministry is responsible for the explaining Nigeria’s position whenever key positions are taken in the realm of diplomacy and in terms of implementing Nigeria’s foreign policy, so the responsibility is heavy.”
“It’s important because Nigeria is projected through you and through the way you present it, so it’s always a very high content of patriotism that is required in that presentation, or explanation of what Nigeria is, why it’s doing it and how it’s doing it.”
“That’s why we consider your role very important and integral to what we’re trying to achieve under the administration, and we thank you, thus far for all that you’ve done for Nigeria, because this goes beyond individuals, it goes beyond partisan politics, It’s about Nigeria.”
“When you go out on the global stage, you’re no longer looking at what divides us, you have to own a common front.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of DICAN, Com. Frederick Idehai, the Senior Editor of Channel Network Afrique(CNA) had earlier assured the Minister of DICAN’s partnership to project the nation’s image positively before the international community as well as drive the country’s foreign policy in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President.
Com. Idehai also appealed to the Minister on the foreign trip and welfare package for the DICAN members
“I will like to draw your attention to something very important that will be beneficial to us, you and the ministry but was placed on hold for a while now.”
“It is foreign Trips for DICAN members which use to be the policy of the ministry, at ministerial, departmental, units and agencies level.”
“We appeal to you sir to revive it as it will avail us the opportunity to report from a patriotic point of view.”
“Support for both foreign and local capacity building for members. It is a well known facts that most journalists are not being paid.”
“We wish to use this forum sir to solicit welfare package for members to cushion the current interesting economic situation as well as use your good office to make it happen from this Muslim and Christian festive periods starting from this year’s Id el Fitr and Easter.” He added
“We wish to once again reassure you of the association’s commitment to partner with you and the Ministry to make Nigeria a better place.” He said.
The visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is one among several visits lined up by DICAN to engage with the Diplomatic Community, key government agencies, relevant stakeholders for the overall interest of Nigeria.