Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to stand together in defending the country’s unity and reputation against attempts by foreign actors to spread false narratives and disinformation.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, the Minister emphasized that collective effort is crucial to counter misinformation that threatens Nigeria’s stability and global image.
“Nigerians should join hands to stop fake narratives about our country. We all share the duty of promoting the truth and protecting Nigeria’s image,” Idris stated, warning that misinformation has the power to divide nations if left unchecked.
Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to advancing media and information literacy as a tool for promoting truth, unity, and national progress. He commended NOUN for its leadership in open and distance learning and for hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), which will be certified at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this November.
According to the Minister, IMILI is a “strategic national investment in truth, literacy, and civic enlightenment.” He explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes integrity, accountability, and public awareness.
“IMILI not only positions Nigeria as a leading voice in media and information literacy across Africa but also strengthens our global standing in information integrity,” he said.
In his remarks, Professor Peters expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information for its collaboration and the Federal Government’s ₦250 million grant to support the establishment of IMILI. He assured that NOUN has the infrastructure, expertise, and digital capacity to make the institute a world-class center for media and information literacy.
“NOUN is fully prepared for UNESCO accreditation of IMILI as a Category Two Institute, and this recognition will enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global media education,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Both the Minister and NOUN leadership agreed that strengthening Nigeria’s information integrity framework is vital in combating disinformation and promoting responsible journalism across the country.
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