The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured the Nigerian public that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not seeking to stifle the media, but rather, to promote responsible and accountable journalism.
Idris made this statement after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Highlighting the importance of responsible journalism, the Minister emphasized that the President has entrusted him with the task of restoring Nigerians’ trust in their nation.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that the government will soon initiate a national dialogue on orientation and reorientation to foster a renewed sense of national pride.
In response to questions from journalists on the management of social media excesses, the Minister stressed the need for responsible journalism, affirming, “We are committed to upholding press freedom while also emphasizing the importance of responsibility. Some of the things propagated on social media are not patriotic and may disseminate inaccurate information. However, it is crucial to underscore that the government has no intention of suppressing press freedom. We will ensure responsible and accountable journalism.”
Addressing the call for renewed patriotism, the Minister acknowledged that the administration of President Tinubu seeks to rebuild a sense of discipline and love for the nation in the hearts of Nigerians.
Idris further emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Information is actively working to reintroduce the values of discipline, patriotism, and belief in Nigeria’s founding ideals, which will form the core of the ministry’s activities.
He stated, “President Tinubu has tasked me with the mission of rekindling Nigerians’ faith in their country. We are embarking on a national discourse on orientation and reorientation to restore that faith. We have noticed a decline in the display of our national symbols even in public buildings abroad. This new approach will emphasize discipline, patriotism, and a belief in our nationhood, as advocated by our founding fathers.”
Idris also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is formulating a comprehensive plan to revitalize the sector, with the aim of rebuilding Nigerians’ trust in their country.
“The National Orientation Agency has offices in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). We are currently working on enhancing their efficiency and ensuring that personnel are present in each LGA. We are developing a roadmap to revamp the sector so that Nigerians can once again believe in their country,” the Minister added.
