The Federal Government has made a move to position Nigeria as a global leader in responsible media and information use in the digital era.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who dropped this hint in Abuja, said that towards this end, the government is making progress toward launching the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in November.
The minister spoke today, June 17, at the launching of a Book by Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) titled: “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing.” The event also raised funds for the building of GOCOP Media Centre.
Alhaji Idris, who chaired the event, urged GOCOP to fully embrace the MIL Institute for its academic and experiential value, and to utilize its outcomes to enhance fact-checking mechanisms.
He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration efforts to ensure democratic governance translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives through sweeping reforms, investments in critical infrastructure, and enhanced social services.
The minister praised online media’s critical role in nurturing democracy, serving as gatekeepers of information, and shaping public discourse.
He emphasized the importance of promoting truth, accountability, and responsible journalism. The Federal Government, he assured, is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press that upholds truth, fairness, and accountability.
The government will collaborate with GOCOP to raise standards, promote media literacy, and strengthen public communication, telling the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanizes action, the minister added.
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