Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says credible information, professional journalism and effective communication are critical to good governance and national development.
Idris stated this in Calabar, Cross River State, during the reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now known as the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new Government Printing Press.
According to him, the development goes beyond reopening a building or installing new equipment, as it seeks to restore institutional memory and strengthen public confidence in credible information.
“Today is about much more than reopening a building or commissioning new equipment. It is about restoring an institution, preserving institutional memory and renewing confidence in the place of credible information, professional journalism and effective communication in governance,” he stressed.
The Minister reiterated the Nigerian Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening public communication and improving citizens’ access to accurate information.
He said rebuilding public trust in government communication remained a major responsibility of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
“Government must earn that trust by speaking honestly to citizens, explaining its decisions with clarity, acknowledging challenges where they exist, and listening to public concerns. Public trust cannot be commanded; it must be earned,” the Minister explained.
Idris commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for restoring and repositioning the newspaper corporation, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the importance attached to information infrastructure.
He recalled that the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, established in 1971, had served for decades as a platform for documenting the affairs of government and the people through publications including the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle.
Idris noted that the media environment had changed significantly, with information travelling within seconds through newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media. He stressed, however, that technology had not diminished the importance of credibility.
“The faster information travels, the greater the premium we must place on verification. Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgement,” he stated.
The Minister therefore urged the Cross River Information Hub to develop into a centre for credible journalism, digital innovation, professional development and public engagement capable of telling the story of Cross River State to Nigeria and the world.
On the Government Printing Press, Idris said official documentation remained essential despite the dominance of digital communication.
“Laws, gazettes, white papers, reports and other public records must be properly produced, secured and preserved because they constitute part of the institutional memory of government and the nation,” the Minister emphasised.
He also urged journalists to place national unity above sectional, ethnic, religious and partisan interests ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing the need to interrogate claims and verify information before publication.
Governor Otu said the revival of the newspaper corporation formed part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the free flow of information between government and citizens.
He disclosed that the state government had upgraded transmission equipment at its radio and television stations, renovated their facilities and expanded their operational reach.
According to the Governor, the Nigerian Chronicle had also been revived under the state’s information revitalisation programme. He explained that the facility had been renovated and equipped with modern printing machines after suffering extensive damage during the 2020 protests.
Otu challenged the newspaper’s management and staff to justify the investment through professionalism, dedication and responsible journalism, while urging them to verify facts before publication.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ekpenyong Cobham, said the Government Printing Press would reduce outsourcing costs, safeguard sensitive government documents, create employment opportunities and generate internal revenue through commercial printing services.
The projects are expected to enhance public communication, preserve official records and strengthen professional journalism in Cross River State.
