Minister of Information Urges Nigerians to Prioritize Nation's Interest, Combat Negative Narratives

At the National Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2024 celebration, held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, called on Nigerians to place national interest first and moderate negative narratives. Themed "New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information," the event was organized by the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), NOUN, in collaboration with UNESCO.

Highlighting the importance of MIL in combating misinformation, the minister noted the need for critical media skills to navigate the evolving digital landscape shaped by social media and artificial intelligence. Idris emphasized that MIL would help citizens discern credible information sources and urged its integration into educational curricula to equip future generations.

The minister also announced progress in establishing the UNESCO International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria, set to enhance digital literacy. Expected to be a UNESCO category 2 Institute, the facility will offer programs to equip Nigerians and others worldwide with essential digital communication skills.

Idris concluded by encouraging media professionals, educators, and content creators to prioritize accurate, fair reporting, fostering responsible public engagement with information.