The Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris has mentioned that there’s a want for residents to hitch palms to guard Nigeria’s picture in opposition to international narratives able to destabilising the nation.
Idris mentioned this whereas receiving a delegation from the Nationwide Open College of Nigeria (NOUN), led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peter at his workplace in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a press release issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, his media aide, the Minister urged each Nigerian to rise in opposition to international mercenaries who’re getting used to undermine the nation’s unity, create false narratives and contrived misinformation.
“Nigerians ought to be a part of palms collectively, collectively, to cease pretend narratives about our nation.
“All of us have a duty to undertaking the reality and shield Nigeria’s picture. Misinformation has the capability to divide nations, and we should not enable that to occur to ours,” Idris mentioned.
Reaffirming the federal government’s committment to selling data literacy as a device for championing fact and nationwide growth, Idris warned that misinformation and false narratives have unbelievable penalties on the nation’s picture on a world scale.
He additional recommended the establishment for its excellence in selling distance studying and its dedication to internet hosting the Worldwide Media and Data Literacy Institute (IMILI) which might be due for certification in November 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
“IMILI shouldn’t be solely an academic initiative but in addition a strategic nationwide funding in reality, literacy and civic enlightenment, and that’s the reason the Federal Ministry of Data and Nationwide Orientation is dedicated to working with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Training to make sure Nigeria’s profitable ratification and recognition of IMILI on the UNESCO Common Convention in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, subsequent month,” the Minister mentioned.
Based on the Minister, this feat by NOUN won’t solely promote accountable media practices but in addition strengthen Nigeria’s world standing in data literacy.
Additionally talking, Peter appreciated the Minister and the administration of President Bola Tinubu for believing within the establishment’s functionality to host the IMILI.
He additionally acknowledged the Federal Authorities’s assist and provision of a ₦250 million grant earmarked to facilitate the NOUN’s growth.
“NOUN is totally ready for the worldwide accreditation of IMILI as a UNESCO Class Two Institute, and this recognition will additional improve Nigeria’s fame in schooling and media literacy,” the vice chancellor mentioned.