INFORMATION MINISTER HAILS GOV OTU’S INFORMATION REVAMP, SAYS CREDIBLE JOURNALISM KEY TO FIGHTING MISINFORMATION

INFORMATION MINISTER HAILS GOV OTU’S INFORMATION REVAMP, SAYS CREDIBLE JOURNALISM KEY TO FIGHTING MISINFORMATION

Calabar (Core Reporters) The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for modernising the State’s information infrastructure, saying investment in credible journalism and effective public communication is critical to combating misinformation and strengthening public trust.

Idris spoke on Thursday in Calabar at the official reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now transformed into the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new Government Printing Press.

The Minister described the transformation as more than the renovation of buildings and installation of new equipment, saying it represents the restoration of an important public institution and a renewed commitment to credible journalism, institutional memory and effective communication.

“The decision of the Cross River State Government to rebuild and reposition this institution, rather than allow it to disappear into history, deserves commendation,” Idris said.

He stressed that information infrastructure is an important component of development, noting that government cannot effectively serve people without effective communication.

Idris recalled that the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, established in 1971, had for decades documented the affairs of the government and people of the State through publications including the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle.

According to him, its transformation into the Cross River Information Hub should usher in a new era where the institution combines its rich heritage with digital technology to become a centre for credible journalism, innovation, professional development and meaningful public engagement.

The Minister noted that the information environment has changed dramatically, with news travelling instantly across newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media, while artificial intelligence continues to reshape the production and distribution of information.

He cautioned, however, that technological advancement must never displace the fundamental values of journalism.

“The faster information travels, the greater the premium we must place on verification. Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgement,” he said.

Idris said credible journalism remained one of Nigeria’s strongest defences against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of information disorder capable of undermining public trust and national cohesion.

He also welcomed the commissioning of the modern Government Printing Press, describing proper documentation and preservation of official records as essential to institutional memory and responsible governance.

“A government that does not preserve its records risks losing its history; a people who do not document their journey leave others to tell their story,” Idris stated.

The Minister said rebuilding public trust in government communication remained central to the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, particularly as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements far-reaching reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said government must communicate its policies clearly and honestly, explain difficult decisions, acknowledge challenges and remain responsive to citizens.

“Public trust cannot be commanded; it must be earned,” he said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Idris urged political actors, journalists and citizens to place Nigeria’s unity and stability above partisan, ethnic and sectional interests.

He warned against misinformation, hate speech, incitement and divisive narratives, stressing that political competition must not be allowed to weaken national cohesion.

“Elections will come and go; Nigeria will remain,” the Minister said.

He urged journalists to verify claims, resist sensationalism and uphold professional ethics, noting that government, the media and citizens have complementary responsibilities in protecting the integrity of the information space and strengthening democracy.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otu said the reactivation of the Newspaper Corporation formed part of his administration’s commitment to restoring key state institutions and strengthening information management.

“Our vision is to restore the Newspaper Corporation by bringing together its rich heritage and institutional history with modern technology, so that it can once again play a strong role in informing the people and telling the Cross River story,” Otu said.

Idris congratulated Governor Otu, the Government and people of Cross River State, as well as the management and staff of the Cross River Information Hub, expressing confidence that the revitalised institution would strengthen the State’s voice, preserve its history and advance truth and professionalism for generations to come.

Among dignitaries at the event were former Governor of Cross River State, Chief Clement Ebri; Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme; President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku; and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah.