SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, fnipr, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF “NIGERIA MEDIA RENAISSANCE – PERSPECTIVE ON ONLINE PUBLISHING” ORGANISED BY THE GUILD OF CORPORATE ONLINE PUBLISHERS (GOCOP) HELD IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY, 17TH JUNE, 2025
Protocols
It is a great honour to be here today at this important gathering organised by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) for the public presentation of “Nigeria Media Renaissance – Perspectives on Online Publishing.”
Let me begin by commending the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) for your leadership, foresight, and sense of responsibility in bringing this important publication to light. At a time when the media landscape is being reshaped by digital technology and the swift communication dynamics of online content, we need sober reflection and fresh thinking — not just about how news is produced and consumed, but also about the broader implications for our democracy, our society, and our future.
Ladies and gentlemen, just days ago, Nigeria marked 26 years of unbroken democratic governance. This milestone is worthy of celebration, but it is also a moment for introspection. Democracy, as we must constantly remind ourselves, is not merely the right to vote. It is not an end in itself. It is a means to an end — that end being the upliftment of the living standards of the Nigerian people, the provision of social services, the guarantee of rights and freedoms, and the development of infrastructure that supports economic and human progress.
It is in recognition of this deeper purpose of democracy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has taken bold steps to consolidate our democratic gains by resetting the economy from consumption to production through sweeping reforms, investments in critical infrastructure, and the enhancement of social services. This administration is working assiduously to ensure that democratic governance translates into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens.
The media — especially the digital and online media represented here today — has a critical role to play in nurturing our democracy. You are the gatekeepers of information. You shape public discourse. You influence perceptions. You expose wrongs and hold leaders accountable. But above all, you have a responsibility to promote truth and to be partners in nation-building.
It is in this context that I welcome the idea of a Media Renaissance — a conscious effort to reset the tone, ethics, and values that underpin journalism in the digital age. A renaissance, meaning rebirth, critically suggests innovation, grounded in reflection. It is not just about doing new things — it is about doing things better.
One of the major challenges of our time — and one that is very relevant to online publishing — is the alarming spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. These are not harmless errors. They are threats to public peace, national security, and democratic governance. We have seen how a false report can ignite violence, disrupt markets, or destroy reputations in a matter of minutes.
To address this, I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Government has made significant progress toward the take-off of the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute here in Abuja by November 2025. This initiative will position Nigeria as a global leader in the responsible use of media and information in the digital era. To this end, I urge GOCOP to fully embrace the emerging MIL Institute for its academic and experiential values, and also use the outcomes towards enhancing fact-checking mechanisms.
The Federal Government is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press, that aligns with the enduring core values of journalism — truth, fairness, and accountability. We want to work with you to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action.
Let me conclude by commending the Guild, once again, for leading the charge in redefining digital journalism in Nigeria. The conversations you initiate, the platforms you build, and the ethical standards you uphold will shape the future of our media space.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mohammed Idris, fnipr
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
