Abuja, October 18, 2023 – The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has disclosed that the Federal Government is taking steps to bolster the National Orientation Agency by deploying officers across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. This move aims to rejuvenate a sense of nationhood and patriotism that, as the Minister observed, has been declining.
Mr. Idris expressed concern that many of the country’s information outposts remain unmanned and emphasized the importance of restoring faith in the concept of nationhood and patriotism. He made these remarks after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
“The national orientation agency has offices in the 774 LGAs…not all the people that will man these local government offices are there, but we are rebuilding that. We are going to put officers of the NOA around all the 774 LGAs,” said Idris.
He went on to note that the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has eroded in Nigeria, and the government is striving to rebuild and reconstruct it. The Minister highlighted the need for a national discourse on orientation or reorientation to reignite Nigerians’ belief in their country.
Idris stressed that the government is committed to ensuring press freedom and freedom of expression, despite concerns about the proliferation of fake news on social media. He mentioned that the government is considering suggestions by the Nigerian Press Council to establish a registration scheme for journalists but is cautious about “gagging the media.”
While acknowledging the importance of responsible freedom of speech, he emphasized that the government has no intention of stifling the press. Idris underscored that press freedom comes with great responsibility, and the government is determined to ensure responsible journalism.
Addressing the welfare of Nigerian press members, the Minister disclosed that he had discussed the matter with President Bola Tinubu and would work on a roadmap for it. He assured that there is no intention to suppress the press, and the government’s goal is to foster a climate of responsible and accountable journalism.
Minister Idris assumed office on August 21, 2023, and expressed his commitment to ensuring that Nigerian journalists can “breathe and flourish” under the new administration.