The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the Sectoral Press Briefings featuring Ministers are accountability sessions.
Idris made the assertion during the maiden edition of the briefing organised by the Ministry on Thursday at the National Press Centre, Abuja.
While opening the session, Idris said, “We are gathered here today for the first in the series of Sectoral Press Briefings organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to mark the first anniversary of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration.
“Almost a year ago now, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were sworn into office. The administration came in on the strength of a Renewed Hope Agenda, which we have been implementing with unparalleled commitment and dedication, from Day 1.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has decided to organize a low-key first anniversary celebration, in line with his policy of prudent management of the nation’s resources. This decision underscores the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and the efficient management of resources while prioritizing the nation’s economic revival, stability and development.
The information minister further disclosed that “The Sectoral Press Briefings are accountability sessions designed by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for various ministers to interact with the media and provide updates on their stewardship to the people of Nigeria by outlining their achievements, challenges, and future plans.
“As I noted in my remarks at an event on the Renewed Hope Agenda, last week, I have no doubt that life will get better for the people of Nigeria. We have already started laying that solid and enduring foundation, over the last 12 months.
“Landmark initiatives like the Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, the 200 Billion Naira Presidential Grant and Loan Scheme, our Agriculture and Food Security efforts (including the launch of Dry Season Farming, and massive fertilizer distribution), the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund(RHIDF), Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme, our reform efforts in the Electricity Sector, and in the area of Taxes and Fiscal Policy, and the negotiations for a befitting new National Minimum Wage—all of these and many more are policies and programs that will directly touch and improve the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of Nigerians.
Idris said, “President Tinubu is wholly committed to ensuring that we bring down the cost of living and doing business in Nigeria, we put more money into the pockets of Nigerians, attract more local and foreign investment, and transform our nation’s infrastructure. And we will not pause or relent until we have delivered Truly Renewed Hope to all Nigerians.
“We have here with us today, three Cabinet Ministers for the first session: the Honourable Ministers of the FCT, Youth Development; Solid Minerals Development; and Steel Development.
“Thereafter, we will hear from the Honourable Ministers of Defence; Health and Justice in the second session today. You will of course also be able to ask them questions about their work and achievements.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO), which I oversee, has a mandate to manage and enhance the image andreputation of the people and government of Nigeria through a dynamic public information system that facilitates access by citizens and the global community to credible and timely information.
“Our work at the Ministry is guided by the following five (5) priorities, in alignment with the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu:
“Pillar 1 is RESTORE TRUST: We are determined to restore trust, confidence, and credibility to public communications, byengaging in a timely, proactive, and consistentfashion with all our stakeholders, across government, the media, private sector, and international community, deploying all available platforms and media.
“Pillar 2, closely tied to Pillar 1, is AMPLIFY POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES: We arehighlighting and amplifying the policies, programs and achievements of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, and the positive impact of these policies and programs in the lives of the Nigerian people.
“Pillar 3 is REORIENT NATIONAL VALUES: We are implementing a series of comprehensive national campaigns to achieve a reorientation of attitudes, values, and ethics in Nigeria. At the heart of this reorientation is Nigeria’s new National Values Charter, which will be launched soon.
“Pillar 4 is MODERNIZE TECHNOLOGY & TALENT: We are modernizing and upgrading the Federal Government’s Information and Communications Systems and Personnel, ensuring they are relevant and fit-for-purpose for the 21st century.
“Pillar 5 is CREATE AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE MEDIA: We arecreating an enabling environment for all players and stakeholders in the media and information ecosystem: journalists, publishers, proprietors, etc.; through the implementation of favorable policies and incentives.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
“The Sectoral Press Briefing Series that we are kicking off today, is in line with my Ministry’s‘Restore Trust’ and ‘Amplify Policies and Programmes’ pillars. We have made efforts to ensure that this Briefing Series receives the widest possible coverage, through traditional and digital platforms.
Idris urged members of the press, to report objectively and responsibly, through the headlines and the narratives. “Our objective here is to enlighten, inform and educate Nigerians and the world, and to ensure that everyone is carried along through the provision of credible and timely information”, he said.
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