Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, has reaffirmed that the agency remains a critical channel for strengthening and promoting Nigeria’s democracy and national integration.
Ali stated this on Tuesday while receiving Rep. Eugene Dibiagwu, representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo, who paid him a courtesy visit at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Describing NAN as the largest news agency in Africa, Ali said that the agency’s core mission is to serve as Nigeria’s primary source of reliable and authoritative news.
He expressed the agency’s commitment to delivering trustworthy information to media organisations and citizens, while contributing significantly to national integration and development.
“NAN is easily the biggest on the (African) continent. We have offices nationwide and 12 zonal offices. Since its establishment in 1976, it has been at the forefront of projecting, not just Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.
“What we do at NAN is to take local news to the national stage and national news to the international stage. We also have partnerships with reputable global media organisations, such as Reuters, AFP, AP, Xinhua and many others. NAN also has district offices in select districts of the 109 zonal districts. We have district reporters in some of these hand-picked places and 11 foreign offices,” he said.
According to him, the agency’s reputation as a credible and authoritative source of information is one reason other media organisations rely heavily on its content.
“Others come to us for news because we have the workforce and the expertise. Our editors everywhere are well-trained, highly skilled and resourceful,” he said.
Responding, Dibiagwu expressed delight at visiting the agency, commending the managing director for the progress recorded under his leadership.
“It’s been a long time I wanted to come and pay this courtesy call because I know what a media house of this repute represents. I have known NAN for a very long time; it feels like a home-coming for me,” the APC lawmaker said.
He expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would strengthen collaboration between his office and the agency.
“I am sure this relationship will soar and take us to another level,” he said.
Dibiagwu, who chairs the House Committee on Regional Development and Amnesty Programme, pledged his support for the agency, especially in areas requiring legislative intervention.
“If at any point you need my assistance from the National Assembly, I am there for you. On issues I can support the agency with, I will not hesitate,” he assured.
The lawmaker, however, raised concern over what he called misuse of NAN contents by some media outlets.
“Sometimes, media houses use your stories and feign ignorance. They take your reports, turn them upside down and make it appear as theirs, instead of using it the way you sent it out,” he said.
He praised NAN’s reach and professionalism, noting that it’s reputation in news dissemination was well-recognised.
“The world knows your tentacles as far as news is concerned. You have done very well. Seeing you from afar is different, but being here today allows me to appreciate you more positively,” Dibiagwu said.
(NAN)
