The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has underscored the importance of Information Ministries as key drivers of public engagement, national orientation, and societal cohesion.
He appealed to some state governments to reconsider their decision to dissolute the Ministries of Information.
Idris stated this in Kaduna at the 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation with the theme “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: The Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus,”
He explained that the Ministry of Information plays a crucial role in public sensitisation.
“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 sensitisation. 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.
Highlighting on the theme of the Council, the Minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, the Information Minister who Chaired the Information Council, said the theme is a clarion call for transformational leadership at all levels and people-oriented governance, which is firmly anchored on the time-honoured principle that governance must be inclusive, transparent, and centered on improving the lives of Nigerians.
Idris, further stressed that the essence of governance lies in its ability to connect, communicate, and inspire collective action, hence information management is not merely a tool of administration but the lifeblood of democracy and development.
“Our responsibility, as custodians of information dissemination, is to ensure that the policies and programmes of both the national and subnational governments reach every Nigerian, regardless of location, language, or social status. We must promote a two-way communication channel: informing the public of government initiatives while listening to their feedback to refine governance practices”, he stressed
The Minister advised Information managers to leverage on innovation for effective communication.
“Adopting Technology: Today, Digital tools are at the core of transforming the global communication landscape. We must leverage technology to enhance the speed, accuracy, and reach of our messaging. This includes upgrading the capacity of government communication platforms and integrating artificial intelligence for better audience engagement and feedback analysis”, he urged
The Minister added that countering Misinformation and Fake News remains critical in information management, emphasizing that fake news poses a significant threat to governance and public trust.
“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 analyse 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.
On his part the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, Senator Kenneth Eze, urged , let us work towards a Nigeria where public information management is not just a function of governance but a cornerstone of our democratic values; this is what the Renewed Hope Agenda espouses.
“This meeting should work out solutions to bridge information gap between urban and rural dwellers; between the literates and illiterates, between the youths and the aged, use of traditional method of information dissemination and digital platforms. Much of the contents and media platforms we often deploy are urban and the literate-focused. The traditional methods of information dissemination often do not resonate with the younger demographics who predominantly engage through digital platforms. To this end, I urge this meeting to put on your thinking caps on how to enhance rural broadcasting including community radio; how to create contents that will not only resonate with rural dwellers and the youths but also elicit inputs from them.
Adding that the Senate recognises that effective governance requires not only the dissemination of information but also the active engagement on the decision-making process.
The 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation was declared open by the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.
Dominica Nwabufo
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