Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idiris has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the reform program in 2024, aiming to benefit Nigerians and citing the positive impact of the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s policies.
He stated this on Saturday at the Grand Finale of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council’s Press Week at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, the State capital. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idiris Malagi, expressed his optimism for the reform programme this year.
Represented by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister highlighted the 2024 transformation agenda, just as he Minister, focused on President Bola Tinubu’s policies covering renewable power, gender equality for economic growth, valuable human assets, national security, and liberalizing foreign exchange routines.
According to Mohammed Idris Malagi, “This administration is committed to fighting corruption, ensuring fidelity to the rule of law, and maintaining institutional independence, crucial to their cause. “Ongoing efforts to implement economic reforms for sustained growth are key to stabilizing the cost of living.”
Acknowledging the government’s tough decisions, especially since becoming Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi identified ongoing efforts to address associated challenges.
“Citizens engagement through initiatives like the Students Loan Scheme and a Presidential initiative for low-cost mass transit, along with various interest rate schemes for businesses and CNG interventions, aimed to reduce transportation costs by over 50 per cent,” he declared.
The Minister clarified the decision to relocate certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos, emphasizing its role in enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining processes of this administration.
He also refuted misinformation about the operational costs of the ongoing relocation of some parts of the CBN and FAAN to Lagos.
Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, who was also a Guest Speaker at the event, presented a paper with the Theme: ‘Solution Journalism’, emphasising that adherence to journalistic standards, fact-checking, and rigorous research were essential to the profession.
He also mentioned showcasing effective responses, initiatives, and positive actions, relying on truth.
The DG, VON, stated further that solutions journalism is presented within a broader context to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issues.
“Evaluation of the real-world impact, informed and empowered audiences, presenting a balanced view, empowering audiences to engage with positive actions in their communities.”
Jibrin Baba Nadace, highlighted the effective collaboration between stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, and communities, in order to foster the work of journalists for information dissemination.
The fire going, according to him, serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging the development and implementation of new ideas and inspiring innovation,”
He further emphasized that convincing audiences and news organizations of the value of solution journalism will overcome scepticism.
“Striking the right balance between reporting on problems and solutions can balance wider coverage to enhance social coexistence among communities,” he stated.
He added that journalists in Niger State need to embrace solution journalism by collaborating more for a promising evolution in news reporting.
“Focusing on solution journalism, journalists in Niger State can support the state government in the proper implementation of its programs and projects in an engaged, informed, and optimistic way for the benefit of the people. However, the government also needs to provide,” the DG, VON maintained.
