Publisherof Shalom Truth Magazine (STM), Mercy Ebuetse, has called on media owners in the country to down play stories that promote violence and immorality in the society.
She made the call during the launch of the magazine at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja Lagos State.
Information Minister, Labaran Maku; Abia State Governor, Dr Theodore Orji and General Overseer of Faith Tabernacle, Bishop David Oyedepo, were duly represented at the ceremony which took place during the week.
The publisher identified the need to save Nigerians from distasteful publications as her reason for establishing the magazine, saying: “We believe that in building a strong nation, the role of the media is very paramount. Therefore, stories that promote sex and other vices should not be encouraged by the media.
“If you look through the media these days, all you find are daily reports of war, ritual killings, kidnapping, insecurity and other several unpalatable stories that are unhealthy for the consumption of an average Nigerian. STM seeks to play a refreshing role of shifting the mind of an average reader to issues that promote peace and development. We are out to celebrate life in its entirety, especially at this period where moral decadence breeds insecurity in our country.”
She stated that the establishment is concerned about working with the government to build a virile nation, adding, “We are joining forces with the Nigerian government to ensure that we have healthy minds in the society, people that can stand intellectual discourse. We are also concerned about the growing rate of unemployment in our country and would try to contribute our quota towards reducing it.”
The Covenant University graduate identified access to finance as a serious challenge to young entrepreneurs in the country and called on the federal government to address the challenge. “Institutions should be put in place to help out those who need assistance to birth their dreams. Those at the helms of affairs in the country should assist young entrepreneurs to grow in the overall interest of the nation and the people,” she said.
Representative of Abia Sate Governor, Mao Ohuabunwa, lauded the publisher for her courage to float the magazine and encouraged other youths in the country to emulate her.
“Mercy read engineering in the higher institution but has veered into publishing today. She didn’t stay at home waiting for when her dream job would come. I will encourage other youths to emulate her. We are planning to hold a youth summit in Abia State later in the year and would invite her speak to our youths,” he stated.