Anyim Pius Anyim, secretary to the government of the federation, is to chair Newswatch’s 2012 Lecture while Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, is the lecturer

Anyim Pius Anyim, secretary to the government of the federation, SGF, has accepted to chair the 2012 edition of Newswatch Lecture series scheduled to hold in March, next year in Lagos. The lecture, which will focus on electoral challenges and good governance, will be delivered by Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Anyim confirmed his acceptance to chair the event, last week, when a delegation from Newswatch Communications Limited, led by Femi Ige, the chief operating officer, COO, paid a courtesy visit to him, in his office in Abuja. Anyim said he was honoured by the visit and the invitation to chair the event. “I will honour your invitation. We need the friendship of Newswatch and the friendship of the media in Nigeria.  It is an event I will like to associate myself with because issues of democracy and good governance which the government I am serving is noted for will be discussed,” he said.

Anyim explained in the course of his speech during the courtesy call, that the present era in Nigeria offers ample opportunity for the deepening of democracy in Nigeria, and called on all Nigerians to support efforts of the government of President Goodluck Jonathan in promoting democracy and good governance. “I am here, in government, today because I am convinced President Jonathan is sincere in what he promised and what he is doing for the country. The country is for all of us as Nigerians. Let us all take advantage of the good environment we have in the country today, put heads and hands together to develop the country,” he said.

Ige told Anyim that the purpose of the courtesy visit was to inform him about the new management team that has been put in place to manage Newswatch, after Jimoh Ibrahim, lawyer and business mogul, bought controlling shares of the media giant in May, this year. He told Anyim that the new management would be happy to partner with the office of the SFG in the task of nation building. “We are pleased to be here and would like to associate with you, as an ally in nation building. We know your antecedents as a leading light in the new generation of Nigerians who are committed to making Nigeria great. We promise to support you in providing selfless service to our country Nigeria,” Ige said.