The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that the crucial roles of the media in deepening the nation’s democracy and promoting national development cannot be over-emphasised.
The minister made the declaration just as he stressed that the federal government was committed to maintaining a free, responsible, and vibrant press.
The minister made the assertions on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation of the book, Nigeria Media Renaissance – Perspectives on Online Publishing, published by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.
Idris applauded GOCOP saying its efforts in promoting ethical standards and innovation within the digital media landscape were quite remarkable.
Pointing out that the federal government was determined to uphold press freedom in line with the core values of journalism – truth, fairness, and accountability – the minister said the government was ready to work with the media to raise standards, enhance public communication, promote media literacy, and present narratives that foster national unity and inspire collective progress.
His words: “The Federal Government is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press that aligns with the enduring core values of journalism — truth, fairness, and accountability.
“We want to work with the media to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action.”
Speaking on the need for the government and media to renew their commitment to democratic principles and public service, he said: “Democracy, as we must constantly remind ourselves, is not merely the right to vote. It is not an end in itself.
“It is a means to an end — that end being the upliftment of the living standards of the Nigerian people, the provision of social services, the guarantee of rights and freedoms, and the development of infrastructure that supports economic and human progress.”
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He said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was being intentional in its moves to translate democratic ideals into practical outcomes by focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the expansion of social services.
He said the efforts of the government were aimed at shifting the economy from a consumption-based model to one driven by production and long-term sustainability.
Idris stressed the importance of digital and online media in shaping public opinion, promoting accountability, and fostering national cohesion.
“The media — especially the digital and online media represented here today — has a critical role to play in nurturing our democracy. You are the gatekeepers of information. You shape public discourse.
“We have seen how a false report can ignite violence, disrupt markets, or destroy reputations in a matter of minutes,” he declared.
Although he said GOCOP members were generally not associated with spreading falsehoods, he appealed to them to take an active role in identifying and exposing those who use media irresponsibly.
He disclosed that in order to strengthen the fight against disinformation and improve media professionalism, the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute was scheduled to open in Abuja by November 2025.
The minister applauded GOCOP for producing the book, describing it as a great effort to redefine journalistic ethics and standards in the digital era.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, reviewed the book at the occasion.
He praised GOCOP for writing the book and recommended it for all.
Present among other dignitaries at the occasion were former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Professor Ralph Akinfeleye.
