Daria Media, with the support of the MacArthur Foundation and in collaboration with TVC News, successfully hosted a live television event, “The First Year,” on July 17 and 18, 2024. The two-day event focused on the economy and security during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office, attracting significant public interest and participation.

Kole Shettima, the Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, who was in attendance on both days, said the foundation was very happy to support the programme, adding that the foundation “is committed to ensuring accountability in our country. We do this by supporting both government institutions and civil society organisations.”

On July 17, a panel of experts discussed the state of Nigeria’s economy, covering critical issues such as economic growth, inflation, and employment. One of the experts, Paul Alaje, Chief Economist at SPM Professionals in responding to an audience question about inclusion, said: “We cannot say we are building a robust nation without including critical stakeholders. We must demonstrate that we are one nation by including persons with disabilities because they are critical stakeholders.”

The second day, July 18, focused on security and governance in Nigeria. A different set of experts including Brig. Gen. S.K, Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, examined President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to tackle security challenges. While addressing some root causes of insecurity in Nigeria, General Usman said that “in most instances, non-state actors are just filling a vacuum, and that’s why there are all the manifestations of security challenges that we have.”

Both days were well-attended, with active participation from the studio audience and viewers across the country. The event was broadcast on TVC News, FRCN, Radio Now 95.3FM Lagos, WFM 91.7 and streamed on all of Daria Media’s social media platforms.

Virtually all government ministers and officials who were invited to the event cancelled at the last minute. The CEO of Daria Media Limited, Kadaria Ahmed said it was disappointing that government officials didn’t take up the opportunity to engage with Nigerians on this credible and independent platform. She said Daria Media will continue to be committed to deepening democracy by championing robust, informed conversations between citizens and government on critical national issues and “The First Year” is a testament to this dedication.

This is the second time Daria Media has hosted “The First Year”. In 2016, Daria Media hosted government officials including then Minister of Information Lai Mohammed and Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun on one year of the Buhari Administration.

The organisation looks forward to continuous platforming of critical conversations that drive Nigeria forward in all areas of development.

Signed
Tomi Olugbemi
Programs Officer, Daria Media