On Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that information ministries are not merely administrative bodies, but crucial drivers of public engagement, national orientation, and societal cohesion.
Idris urged state governments contemplating the dissolution or downgrading of their Ministries of Information to reconsider their decisions.
He made this appeal in Kaduna during the 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation, which was held under the theme: “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: The Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus.”
He said: “At this juncture, I would want to make a passionate appeal to some of our state governments, especially on the status and operations of State Ministries of Information.
“And my plea, for emphasis, goes like this: that, in the ever-broadening parameters of governance, the role of Ministries of Information at both the national and state levels cannot be overstated. These Ministries serve as the bridge between government policies and the citizens they are designed to benefit, thereby fostering transparency, accountability, and trust, which are essential pillars of any thriving democracy.
“The Ministry of Information plays a critical role in public sensitization. Through this institution, and the platforms associated with it, governments are able to educate citizens on policies, programmes, and initiatives. They also serve as vital platforms for addressing misinformation, which, if left unchecked, can erode public trust and undermine collective progress. In an era where information is both a tool and a weapon, having a dedicated body to manage its dissemination is indispensable,” he said.
Addressing the theme of the Council, the Minister highlighted that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda calls for transformational leadership at all levels and people-centered governance. He emphasized that the agenda is firmly grounded in the enduring principle that governance must be inclusive, transparent, and focused on improving the lives of Nigerians.
Idris stressed that the essence of governance lies in its ability to connect, communicate, and inspire collective action. As such, information management is not just an administrative tool but the very lifeblood of democracy and development.
Given Nigeria’s diversity in ethnic groups, languages, and religions, Idris pointed out that ensuring every citizen feels heard, informed, and included in the governance process requires intentional efforts, particularly from Information Managers.
The Minister advised that to foster inclusion in policy formulation, information managers should leverage technology to enhance the speed, accuracy, and reach of their messaging while also integrating artificial intelligence for better audience engagement and feedback analysis.
He equally said gendering Public Debate for policy refinement and alignment with public aspirations is a necessary component of promoting public participation in the decision-making process.
“In every democracy, the strength of governance is deeply rooted in its ability to reflect the will and aspirations of the people. Public policies, while crafted with the best intentions, must continuously evolve to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of the citizens they serve. It is within this context that public debate plays a pivotal role.
“For instance, you are all aware that we are currently witnessing robust debates on the Tax Reforms proposed by President Tinubu. Such debates are necessary in policy formulation and implementation in order to foster a transparent exchange of ideas, where citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders can voice their opinions, and provide constructive feedback on the reform proposal of the President,” he said.
The Minister further stated that combating misinformation and fake news is a critical aspect of information management, highlighting that fake news poses a serious threat to governance and public trust.
He urged the need to equip information officers with the necessary skills to implement fact-checking mechanisms, collaborate with media organizations, and strengthen public awareness campaigns to effectively tackle misinformation.
Additionally, he revealed that President Tinubu recently approved funding for the immediate establishment of the UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, the first of its kind globally. Located within the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, the institute aims to equip individuals with the skills to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation.
“In an era where fake news, propaganda, and biased reporting can significantly influence public opinion and decision-making, media literacy fosters critical thinking. It helps individuals analyze the intent behind media messages, understand the context in which they are presented, and assess their accuracy and relevance.
“I will therefore urge the Commissioners for Information to take advantage of this very important Institute once it takes off, in order to further build the capacity of our staff in combating the menace of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,” he said.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani declared the 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation was declared open.
