The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has said that there is a need for citizens to join hands to protect Nigeria’s image against foreign narratives capable of destabilising the nation.
Idris said this while receiving a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peter at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, his media aide, the Minister urged every Nigerian to rise against foreign mercenaries who are being used to undermine the nation’s unity, create false narratives and contrived misinformation.
“Nigerians should join hands together, collectively, to stop fake narratives about our country.
“We all have a responsibility to project the truth and protect Nigeria’s image. Misinformation has the capacity to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours,” Idris said.
Reaffirming the government’s committment to promoting information literacy as a tool for championing truth and national development, Idris warned that misinformation and false narratives have unbelievable consequences on the nation’s image on a global scale.
He further commended the institution for its excellence in promoting distance learning and its commitment to hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) which would be due for certification in November 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
“IMILI is not only an educational initiative but also a strategic national investment in truth, literacy and civic enlightenment, and that is why the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is committed to working with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure Nigeria’s successful ratification and recognition of IMILI at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, next month,” the Minister said.
According to the Minister, this feat by NOUN will not only promote responsible media practices but also strengthen Nigeria’s global standing in information literacy.
Also speaking, Peter appreciated the Minister and the administration of President Bola Tinubu for believing in the institution’s capability to host the IMILI.
He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support and provision of a ₦250 million grant earmarked to facilitate the NOUN’s development.
“NOUN is fully prepared for the global accreditation of IMILI as a UNESCO Category Two Institute, and this recognition will further enhance Nigeria’s reputation in education and media literacy,” the vice chancellor said.
