Gov. Lawal attends maiden State House Press Corps dinner, decorates Tinubu as Grand Patron

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Thursday attended the inaugural State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he decorated President Bola Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps.

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The event brought together senior government officials, journalists accredited to cover the Presidency and other dignitaries in what organisers described as an initiative to deepen engagement between the media and government.

The dinner was also designed to recognise excellence in presidential reporting while providing an informal platform for interaction between members of the State House Press Corps and top government functionaries.

During the ceremony, Governor Lawal performed the symbolic decoration of President Tinubu as Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, marking one of the highlights of the maiden edition of the event.

In his address, President Tinubu called on journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in carrying out their constitutional duties.

He described the media as an indispensable partner in nation-building and democratic governance, stressing the need for factual and balanced reporting.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting press freedom and freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

According to him, a vibrant and responsible media remains essential to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability in governance.

The State House Press Corps is made up of journalists accredited to cover the President and activities within the Presidential Villa.

The inaugural presidential dinner attracted several senior government officials, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also in attendance were the Ministers of Finance, Education, Health, Agriculture and Information, as well as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

The event underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between government and the media in promoting transparency, accountability and effective public communication.