By Hajara Usman
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris (FNIPR), announced that the Federal Government has made significant progress toward launching the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in November.
This initiative he said aims to position Nigeria as a global leader in responsible media and information use in the digital era.
The minister made this announcement at the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) book launch, “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing,” held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja. The event also raised funds for the GOCOP Media Centre.
Alhaji Idris, chairing 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.