Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal joined top government officials at the maiden State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner, where President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Thursday formally invested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps during the maiden Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

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The symbolic investiture was one of the defining moments of the inaugural event, which brought together senior government officials, journalists accredited to cover the Presidency and other distinguished guests to strengthen engagement between the media and policymakers.

Organised by the State House Press Corps, the dinner was designed to foster closer interaction between members of the press and government officials while recognising excellence in presidential reporting and promoting constructive dialogue on governance.

Governor Lawal, who attended the event as one of the special guests, presented the Grand Patron insignia to President Tinubu in a gesture that underscored the administration’s acknowledgement of the media’s role in supporting democratic governance and public accountability.

Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu urged journalists to remain committed to truth, fairness and responsible reporting, describing the media as an indispensable partner in Nigeria’s democratic development.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of journalists and safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression.

He stressed the importance of professional journalism in strengthening democratic institutions and encouraging informed public discourse.

The event attracted several senior government officials, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and ministers responsible for Finance, Education, Health, Agriculture and Information.

Also in attendance was the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, alongside members of the State House Press Corps and other invited guests.

The maiden Presidential Dinner marks a new initiative by the State House Press Corps to deepen collaboration between the Presidency and journalists covering the seat of government.

The gathering also provided an informal platform for discussions on the evolving role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability and effective communication between government and citizens.

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The investiture of President Tinubu as Grand Patron is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the Presidency and the State House Press Corps as both parties seek to encourage responsible journalism and constructive engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.