Minister stresses importance of Renewed Hope agenda

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris has said the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a clarion call for transformational leadership at all levels and people-oriented governance.

He also said the agenda is firmly anchored on the time-honored principle that governance must be inclusive, transparent, and centered on improving the lives of Nigerians.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 48th National Council of Information and National Orientation held at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna on Friday, the Minister noted, “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.

The theme of this year’s Council meeting which is, “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: The Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus,” he alluded that this could not have been more appropriate than now.

“It underscores the critical role of public information in bridging the gap between government policies and the aspirations of the Nigerian people, a role that is at the very heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

According to the information minister, the essence of governance lies in its ability to connect, communicate, and inspire collective action.

In this regard, he remarked that information management is not merely a tool of administration but the lifeblood of democracy and development.

“I commend all stakeholders here today for their commitment to advancing this important cause.

“Nigeria’s unique diversity is both a source of strength and a challenge. With a multiplicity of ethnic groups, languages, and religions, ensuring that every citizen feels heard, informed, and included in the governance process, requires deliberate efforts, especially by Information Managers.

“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 analyze the intent behind media messages, understand the context in which they are presented, and assess their accuracy and relevance.

“At this juncture, I would want to make a passionate appeal to some of our state governments, especially on the status and operations of State Ministries of Information.

“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 sensitization. Through this institution, and the platforms associated with it, governments can 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.”