ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that the government and the media are collaborative partners in nation-building, not adversaries, during a courtesy visit from The Guardian‘s management team on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Speaking from his office, Idris clarified his belief that, despite occasional differences, the media and government share a common goal: building a stronger, unified Nigeria.
“I do not believe that the government and the Fourth Estate are opponents, but, rather, partners in the arduous task of nation building, a task that occasionally comes with divergent perspectives and approaches,” Idris remarked.
He underscored the media’s critical role as a watchdog, urging it to uphold its duty to safeguard democracy, peace, and unity, all essential for Nigeria’s progress on the world stage.
Idris acknowledged The Guardian’s historical significance in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, highlighting its consistent role in advocating for representative governance and challenging military rule.
He encouraged The Guardian to maintain its pro-democracy stance, positioning itself against destabilising ideologies and in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s reformative ambitions.
In response, The Guardian’s chief executive officer, Toke Ibru, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation. “Our organisation, widely acclaimed as the flagship of the Nigerian press, is still a torch-bearer in the consolidation process of the nation’s democracy and will continue to promote the ideals of unity, peace, and national security,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Comfort Ajiboye, alongside senior members of The Guardian’s team, including Editorial Board member Mr Martins Oloja, Editor Dr Oluwafemi Adekoya, and Chuks Nwanne, General Manager of Abuja-Northern Operations.
