CBN: Directorate of Communications In The Public Eyes   

CBN: Directorate of Communications In The Public Eyes   

By: Balami Lazarus

As a Columnist, writing freely on any issue and subject has espoused me to the art of investigative writing including interrogating questions. I will put it to the public floor that the CBN Communication Department has not been fair to newsmen and other members of the public who have genuine reasons / business to do at their Head Office in Abuja.

Of late our Correspondent was at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Head Office to verify some issues that had to do with one of their own but met a brick wall – right from the gates having properly identified himself he was not allowed in.

When I looked at the modus operandi of some public corporations, establishments and parastatals in Abuja and how they respond to these professionals who are the ‘ watch dog’s’ of the society and equally how they are treated, I become disheartened , my person turns into gall  if feel for many of them out their doing their beats . Are these establishments properly advised and guided by their Public Affairs and Corporate Services Department?

Journalists on beats in my opinion should be attended to right from the gate of any organization. For me, it is an insult to this humble pen profession? They are always at a place for a reason and on behalf of the public for daily happenings of events to inform , educate and entertain the society in prints / electronics. I always blame the officers who are manning the public image of these establishments as their mouth – piece. Practicing journalists have some privileges for free entry and exit in public buildings and other places that are deemed fit for them to verify their stories or cross-check some facts and figures before going to the press / air. 

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Therefore, it is unfortunate for some public organizations in Nigeria to become dogmatic in their dealings with journalists. However, Public Affairs Departments are seen as the gate – keepers of Ministries Departments and Agencies ( MDA’s) not as zebra – crossing – path.

The crux of the matter is in our attempt to feature some awardees of the 19th National Productivity Order Of Merit ( NPOM) Award 2022, to ask one of their own   a Director of Development Finance Department who was nominated for the award  by the Central Bank of Nigeria , Mr. Philip Yila Yusuf, ” for his ingenuity and astuteness in helping to build a robust, resilient and inclusive economic in Nigeria ” this is to encourage others to do same and even better.

The Central Bank of Nigeria Communication Department has put a wage in our efforts to tell the world the good works of Mr Philip Yela Yusuf as a living example of hard work and determination as a Nigerian.

If I were to wrongfully accuse and / or alleged that herein our respected and able Central Bank Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele misappropriated a large fund running into billions of naira, this will no doubt provoke a response from the bank. And to elongate it further, if i should also allegedly said that Mr Philip Yila Yusuf corruptly co-joint with both the Corporate Services and Communication Department(s) to be nominated for the NPOM Award 2022. I reasonably believe there will be a response also from the bank.

Most good intentions are misunderstood by some individuals and organizations the likes of CBN.

Balami , a Publisher / Columnist – 08036779290

CBN: Directorate of Communications In The Public Eyes