By Hou Akot Hou
The newly appointed Minister of Information and Communication in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state (NBGs), Zechariah Garang Lual was sworn in on Wednesday at the state assembly.
He took over the position previously held by William Anyuon Kuol, who became the national Minister for Trade.
The ceremony, presided over by Judge Abraham Majur, drew a large crowd, including Governor Tong Aken, state officials, members of parliament, and ministers.
In his address after taking the oath of office, Minister Garang emphasized his commitment to collaborating with local media to enhance civic education, particularly with upcoming elections on the horizon.
“I want to be very clear,” Minister Garang stated. “my ministry will work hand-in-hand with local media outlets in the state. They play a crucial role in informing the public and enabling them to make informed choices, whether regarding government initiatives or the upcoming elections.”
“I intend to meet with media representatives to prioritize activities like informing citizens about key issues in peacebuilding and electoral processes” he continued.
Minister Garang emphasized that the media is an integral part of the government, serving as a conduit for informing the public about government priorities.
He however cautioned against misinformation, especially during elections, highlighting the importance of transparency and fostering a civic space for all parties and citizens within the state.