The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Committee on Community Engagement, to effectively disseminate information about government programmes to communities across the nation.
Idris made the commitment when the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He emphasised the critical need to restore public trust, acknowledging its erosion as a significant barrier to effective communication and program implementation.
The Minister said; “This synergy is very important, it the idea of this ministry to build trust that we think has gone away between Nigerian public and their leaders. Once that trust is lost it becomes very difficult for government to communicate honestly and responsibly. And for those who should consume that information to also believe and understand and take in that information. And when we came in here, what we first thought about first is to build that trust. How can they trust be rebuilt? It can only be re-build when you pass this information , timely, honestly, patriotically and in the best way possible. You cannot build trust when you tell people what they know to be obviously not true.”
According to the Minister, the Senior Special Assistants play a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and various communities.
He said; “These representatives were appointed to feel the pulse of Nigerians and relay their concerns and feedback to the government”. You take information on behalf of the government to the various communities. And take feedback from the communities back to the government.”
Idris stressed that the Ministry would collaborate with them to ensure government programmes and activities are effectively communicated and understood at the community level.
He said; “We are going to partner with you as you requested. We’ll continue to engage with Nigeria. Very soon the National Communication Team will be going to other part of the country to engage with them and tell them what the government is doing. Relate with them the programmes and activities of government in way they will understand, and to also take feed back from them.
“If they are areas they don’t feel comfortable with, we will bring these feedback to the present government.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision is for Nigeria to recover lost ground and achieve shared prosperity. We want to assure you that every platform available to the Ministry of Information and Orientation will be made available to you to aid your work. We will ensure that every activity that you do, the various communities that you represent is put out there for the benefit of Nigerians,” the Minister added.
Earlier, the three Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement led by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North West Zone, Abdullahi Yakasai, while stating the aim of their visit, recognised the critical role local engagement play in reaching those at the grassroots.
He said; “We have come to seek collaboration with the Ministry to amplify program awareness. By partnering with the Ministry, we can leverage its communication channels to ensure these communities are informed about the government’s initiatives and achievements. This collaborative effort aims to bridge the information gap and ensure all citizens are aware of the programmes and services available to them.”
In attendance were Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement from the North Central Zone, Abiodun Essiet, South West, Mrs. Moremi Ojudu as well as Chief Executive Officers of the Agencies under the Ministry.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
