Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, jibrin Ndace, has called on Nigerians to be deliberate and unapologetic in telling Nigeria’s story.

Mr Ndace made the call on Thursday in Calabar during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey.

The DG said that VON was well positioned to tell Nigeria’s story and indeed Africa’s story better than any other platform.

He urged Nigerians to partner with the organisation especially in the present era of social media distortions and outright lies.

Mr Ndace said, “Our country is not all about negative news, we have great things happening here too, we should all join hands to tell the positives that we are known for. When you travel out with the Nigerian passport, you are treated with disdain, unbefitting of your status. This is an unacceptable treatment traceable to the negative stories peddled about Nigeria. We may not be perfect, but we are not what is being portrayed. We must be unapologetic in telling Nigeria’s story confidently.’’

The VON boss lauded the harmonious relationship between the Government of Cross River State and the agency.

Mr Ndace offered the VON platform to the government and people of the state for publication of its developmental programmes that are instituted for the benefits of the people.

In his response, Mr Odey lauded the DG, describing him as a “true and thoroughbred professional,” whose wealth of experience has repositioned the agency globally.’’

He enumerated some programmes which the state government had earmarked to re-establish Cross River as the preferred tourist destination in Nigeria while pledging to collaborate with VON.

He stated, “Through the office of the Commissioner for Information, the government of Cross River will partner with VON to publicise our activities and showcase the state to the world. Henceforth, we need the active participation of VON in the coverage of our flagship tourism festival, Carnival Calabar, and other lofty programmes of the Prince Otu led administration.’’

(NAN)