Mohammed Idris Malagi

A pleasure to join President @officialABAT at the #SaudiAfricaSummit in Riyadh, today. In his speech the President was emphatic about Nigeria’s openness for business, & the country’s abundant investment opportunities as we, like Saudi Arabia, diversify our economy away from oil.

Had a very productive meeting yesterday with the @UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, @TawfikJelassi, on the sidelines of #unescogc. I was accompanied by HE Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Ambassador, Permanent Representative to UNESCO. There are so many opportunities in the communication and information space that Nigeria can benefit from, and we are determined to collaborate with UNESCO in this regard. I was very eager to hear more about what UNESCO is doing in community radio, promotion of press freedom, and in the governance of digital platforms, and how we can tap into these for the benefit of the country.

Highlights of what I said during the interview: 1. I’ve spent the last eight weeks understanding what the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) is all about, meeting with the Departments and the Agencies. We know what we desire it to be, but we need to start by understanding what it currently is, and why it’s not where we want it to be. 2. National Orientation is a key part of our mandate at the Ministry. Trust in government and in the country is being eroded, so we need to ask ourselves, where did we get it wrong? Why don’t Nigerians believe in Nigeria? We are coming up with a strategy to rediscover ourselves and to start to believe in Nigeria once again. 3. Trust in government communications has broken down. Citizens don’t think government is telling them the truth. We need to start earning the trust of the people again, and earning the buy-in of the people for the work we have to do. The truth has to be told always. 4. What kind of country do we desire? To answer this, we need a national conversation about the kind of country we want. Why is Civics not compulsory again? Who is a Nigerian citizen? Have we defined that? We need to bring back the values and ethos that define us. 5. We know we want to have a great country and believe in our importance, to ourselves and to the world. We need to come together to discuss these things, our roles, our responsibilities, what Nigeria will give Nigerians, and what Nigerians will give Nigeria. 6. Nigeria’s press is a free one, and President Tinubu is determined to make it even freer. Information dissemination is critical for the success of any government. Mr. President has been trying to say things exactly as they are. 7. The issue of fake news and disinformation is not a Nigerian problem alone, it is a global problem. We’ve seen what fake news did in the U.S., that led to the January 6 attack on the very nerve-center of American democracy. We must tackle misinformation and disinformation on a global scale. 8. Let me say this again: Our administration will not gag the press or Nigerians, or undermine press freedom. It is however also important to point out that every right comes with a responsibility. Freedom of speech comes with responsibilities.

Today, at the National Press Centre, Abuja, I held a Press Conference on recent national developments. I thank the members of the press who covered it, and also the Heads of @FMINONigeria agencies who joined me. Read the full text of my remarks: facebook.com/HMMohammedIdri…

This morning, I'm in Lagos to declare open AFRICAST 2023, organized by @nbcgovng. I welcome all our delegates and participants - drawn from more than 30 countries - to Lagos, for this very significant gathering. And I thank everyone who has played a part in making it a reality.

It was my pleasure to declare open the 2023 Edition of AFRICAST, organized by @nbcgovng, with the support of a wide range of partners, in Lagos, yesterday. In my address, I made it very clear that @NigeriaGov and @FMINONigeria will do everything to support Nigeria’s broadcast industry (content creators, producers, broadcasters, financiers) to unlock the enormous creative and economic potential of the sector. It is heartwarming to see Nigerians daily breaking new creative and content ground; we must now ensure we put in place the frameworks for consistently attracting investment and for guaranteeing profitability. I believe that close partnership between the public and private sectors will make this a reality.

PRESS RELEASE @NOA_Nigeria IS THE FULCRUM OF NATIONAL REORIENTATION - SAYS IDRIS, CHARGES PRESS TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY The Minister of Information and National Orientation, @HMMohammedIdris , has said that his ministry is the custodian of the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration, adding that the National Orientation Agency is the launch pad for the campaign. The Minister made the remark during a visit to the agency in continuation of the familiarisation tour of agencies under his ministry on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The Minister noted that the agency is the mandate office for national orientation, being the custodian of national values and symbols, which reflect the country's collective heritage. He said the agency has a responsibility to ensure that those symbols and values are maintained for the benefit of the next generation. The Minister announced plans for a national discussion on value reorientation in Nigeria, citing the significance of character, one value that has an impact on all aspects of national life. “Each time I have a conversation on the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the focus has always been on national orientation or reorientation. Without returning to those core values that we are known for; Nigeria is not likely to go anywhere. Part of the reason is the gradual erosion of the values that our founding fathers left for us,” he said. At the National Press Council, the Minister assured that the administration is committed to providing an enabling environment for the press to carry out its vital role in society, and to ensure that press freedom is respected and guaranteed. He highlighted the importance of responsible journalism in this advanced stage of Nigeria's democratization process, emphasizing that press freedom should be exercised in a manner that upholds ethical standards and promotes responsible reporting. The government, he stated, recognizes the crucial role of the press in society and aims to create an environment where journalists can fulfil their duties without unnecessary constraints. He assured that the necessary support and enabling environment would be provided for the press to carry out its duties. "This administration has no intention of restricting the press, but press freedom also comes with responsibility. While the press should have the freedom to do their job, it is important to exercise that freedom responsibly." The minister said. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, and the National Press Council Executive Secretary, Mr. Francis N. Nwosu, conducted the Minister through their various offices. In attendance were the Directors of the ministry. Suleiman Haruna Deputy Director, Press Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation October 17, 2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA ADVISORY TEAM MEMBERS President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the following men and women to serve in the Office of the President under the Media & Publicity Directorate with full respect for the tenets of Nigeria's federal character principle and the supremacy of merit: (1) Mr. Fela Durotoye (Senior Special Assistant to the President — National Values & Social Justice) (2) Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Public Engagement) (3) Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Strategic Communications) (4) Mr. Aliyu Audu (Special Assistant to the President — Public Affairs) (5) Mr. Francis Adah Abah (Personal Assistant to the President — Special Duties) President Tinubu has further approved the secondment of Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe to serve as the Communications Adviser to the President of the ECOWAS Commission. The President tasks all new appointees who are serving in the Media & Publicity directorate to uphold the highest standards of decorum and decency in their engagements with all members of the public as they advance the President's determined bid to renew the hope of Nigerians in a restructured economy and unified society that caters sufficiently to the needs of all, regardless of any differences. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) October 9, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES 500,000 JOBS AS AJAOKUTA STEEL NEARS COMPLETION * Flags off Kogi APC governorship campaign President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Sunday that with the hitherto abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex now nearing completion, the project will have the capacity to employ 500,000 Nigerians once designated as a free trade zone. The President further promised to fully harness the potentials of the Complex once it is completed, as it would boost Nigeria's foreign direct investment and provide avenue for the creation of the much-needed conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, made this known at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. The governorship poll in the state is slated for November 11. Addressing a mammoth crowd in Lokoja, VP Shettima also noted that Tinubu remained committed to completing the constructions of the River Niger, the Kabba-Lokoja and the Abuja-Lokoja roads. President Tinubu, VP Shettima stated, is a man of plenty ideas who is determined to reposition the nation in its rightful place, especially as it borders on restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy. "Given Mr President's commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi in particular being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the center. We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation," the Vice President said. He further hinted about plans by the Tinubu administration to make the Itakpe crop processing project a dream come true, just as he promised jobs and affordable education under the present government. Reemphasising that the welfare of the citizenry would never be willfully compromised, VP Shettima called on Kogi citizens to come out en masse on November 11 to vote for the candidate of the APC, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in order to consolidate on the achievements of the APC government in the state. He added that the natural endowments of Kogi State would be harnessed for the development of the state and the nation at large, adding that President Tinubu had further given his nod for the rehabilitation of Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State. Speaking earlier, Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, thanked President Tinubu for accepting to flag off the governorship campaign in his state, disclosing that his administration has achieved a lot, and it is time for consolidation in order to move the state forward. "We have done a lot in the area of security, education and health, among others. We want to consolidate on that. I am, therefore, calling on the people of our dear state to vote for our candidate in order to move Kogi State forward," he said. For his part, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said because Governor Yahaya Bello has provided good governance to the people of Kogi, the state cannot afford to be left behind by giving power to another party different from the one at the center. Also, the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, enjoined the people of Kogi State to clean up their voter cards and turn out in numbers to vote for the candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election. On his part, Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo, pledged to carry the people of the state along if elected, saying he remained committed to the development agenda of Kogi State. "We will build on the legacies of my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello. We will give attention to security, education, agriculture and health. Our women will also be empowered," he said.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS, DELE ALAKE, ON 67TH BIRTHDAY   President Bola Tinubu extols the virtue of his long-time ally, confidant, and present Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Dele Alake, on the occasion of his 67th birthday.   The President cherishes Hon. Alake's patriotism and unwavering dedication to service, as well as the close relationship they have shared over the span of four decades.   President Tinubu reflects on the long journey they have embarked upon together, from the Minister’s days as Editor of the National Concord to his tenure as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State during the President's service as the Executive Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, all the way through to their most recent and extraordinary journey into the State House.   "Through it all, Dele has proven to be a partner and worthy brother," the President declares.    President Tinubu affirms that Hon. Dele Alake possesses uncommon versatility and strength of character that leaves a lasting impression on everyone he encounters, imparting the true essence of loyalty, trust, respect, and empathy.   The President thanks the accomplished public servant for his loyalty over the years, both in times of triumph and in times of difficulty.   President Tinubu looks forward to many more years of great memories, successes, and continued camaraderie.   As the beloved celebrant embarks on a new chapter of service to our nation, the President joins family, friends and well-wishers at home and abroad in offering heartfelt prayers, seeking divine guidance and success for the Honourable Minister in his new assignment.   Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) October 6, 2023

Earlier today i receives an entourage from Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna Foundation led by H.E Senator Ibrahim Shekarau in his office in Abuja

RT @FMINONigeria: Press Release Idris Harps on the need for Value Reorientation Among Citizens Minister of Information and National Orien…

(Left) The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris Malagi, received (Right) The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry...

Happening Now: The Honorable Minister of Information & National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris receives the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu on a visit to solicit the support of the Ministry and its Parastatals on her Ministry’s programs.

Home and abroad, Tinubu’s Nigeria is taking its rightful place By Mohammed Idris, Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation Having hit the ground running at home, with a series of very bold and unprecedented reform decisions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gone ahead to seize the opportunity offered by the month of September 2023, to make a grand entry onto the global stage. In what has been his busiest month on the global stage since he assumed office, President Tinubu traveled to India for the G20 Summit on the special invitation of Prime Minister Modi, made a stopover on his way back home for a crucial meeting with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on lingering issues of concern between UAE and Nigeria, and then traveled to New York to make his debut at the most important annual gathering of Heads of State, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At the UN—in a delivery reminiscent of the powerful and iconic ‘Africa Has Come Of Age’ speech by the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, almost five decades ago—President Tinubu caught the attention of a listening world with his emphasis on an equal and mutually beneficial relationship between Africa and the world, instead of one defined by condescension, pity and greed. The President spoke boldly for the entire African continent, tracing the history of the post-World War 2 global system, starting with a Marshall Plan that helped redeem Europe. Asking for a 21st century equivalent for that Plan, President Tinubu added, “We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe. We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.” At every engagement, he has taken the time to remind the world of just how significant his first four months in office have been, in terms of laying the foundation for unlocking levels of economic growth and prosperity that we have always been capable of, but have sadly remained a pipe dream. He ended a costly and wasteful fuel subsidy regime that has, over the decades, deprived the country of tens of billions of dollars in potential infrastructure and human capital investments. He also commenced an overhaul of the Central Bank of Nigeria, shaking up the leadership of the bank and supporting it to abolish an inefficient system of multiple exchange rates, which, like the petrol subsidy, has seen a lot of abuse, and stifled domestic and international confidence in the economy. President Tinubu has also assembled a cabinet with an impressive representation of young people and women, while also creating new Ministries and ministerial portfolios to reflect the pressing realities of the 21st century, as well as the priorities of our administration. For example, we now have a Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, recognizing the unlimited potential of that sector to produce national prosperity. We also now have a dedicated Ministry for the Creative Economy. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has been expanded to include Food Security, underpinning the President’s declaration of a national emergency on Food Security early on in his administration. On the regional level, President Tinubu has, in his role as recently-elected Chairman of ECOWAS, shown great commitment to stemming the condemnable wave of military takeovers that have rocked the sub-region, and I expect his diplomatic efforts to yield enduring fruit in the months ahead.