The immediate past Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Malam Abdullahi Candido, has launched a weekly publication, Aso Mirror, a local newspaper aimed at bridging the gap between the government and Abuja residents.
At the launch yesterday (Tuesday, December 10) in Gwagwa, Karimu, Abuja, the FCT, Candido explained that the newspaper’s mission is to be a voice for the people of Abuja.
And as the Chairman/Publisher, Candido promised to ensure the paper represents community interests and while providing balanced journalism.
He further assured attendees that Aso Mirror would report government actions accurately, aiming to hold officials accountable without unnecessary criticism, explaining that the newspaper seeks to address the unique challenges faced by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents, who have historically lacked representation and voice in national discourse.
“We are not going to unnecessarily criticise or condemn those in government. We will call their attention when necessary.
“We will report accurately and appropriately on what the government is doing for us and about the people.
“We will also criticise and assess the government when necessary, but we will not be against anybody. We are only trying to ensure that things are done properly.
“Aso Mirror aims to transition from a weekly to a daily publication, gradually increasing its frequency,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted him as saying.
According to Candido, everything about the FCT people is at a disadvantage.
”We are not wealthy, properly educated, connected, or in positions of authority.
“We do not have a voice, but this newspaper may give us a voice and lead us somewhere. I think the people of FCT need something like this.
“I am a community person, and the paper is community-based. That’s why I refused to take the programme to the town. We decided to do it in our community, and you can see the beauty in it,’’he said.
Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Abubakar Abdullahi, lauded the publisher’s initiative in launching an indigenous newspaper.
The publication, Abdullahi said, would certainly amplify the voices of marginalised indigenous people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by creating awareness, educating society, and promoting accountability.
He emphasised the newspaper’s role in fostering unity and public expression, urging its management to maintain professionalism and investigative journalism.
The AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, represented by Danlami Hayyo, the FCTA mandate secretary for education, expressed support for the initiative.
“This event marks a significant step towards empowering the local community through media representation, and I urge you all to support this initiative.”