By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has urged the media to help in correcting the negative narrative about the country.
Idris made the call at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN), in Abuja.
The conference’s theme was “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion, and Digital Security”.
According to the minister, aside from the theme being timely and profound, it speaks directly to the present realities of the nation and the future Nigerians are working tirelessly to build.
This, he said, showed the crucial role the media must continue to play in shaping a stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
“We must also address an emerging and troubling trend, which is the attempt by some international actors and interest groups, to label Nigeria as a country of religious intolerance.
“Let me be clear: This narrative is false, divisive, and built on misinformation.
“Nigeria is one of the most religiously diverse countries on earth, and in spite of our differences, our people have lived together, intermarried, conducted business, and built communities across religious lines for centuries.
“Any report or index suggesting otherwise is not only inaccurate but designed to sow suspicion and undermine national unity.
“This is where IBAN and the broader broadcast community must stand tall. You must collectively raise your voices to denounce these misleading narratives.
“You must help the world understand Nigeria as it truly is; not through the distorted lens of external agendas, but through factual, balanced, and context-rich reporting,” he said.
Idris further explained that the conference was being held at a time when the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu are beginning to yield measurable and reassuring results.
According to him, it is heartwarming that inflation has dropped to a three-year low of 16 per cent, reflecting deliberate fiscal and monetary policy coordination.
“Food prices have recorded a sustained reduction, thereby bringing relief to households across the country”.
On the recent kidnap of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, Idris said Tinubu had given a direct and uncompromising order to the military high command to leave no stone unturned in rescuing the girls safely and reuniting them with their families.
“We will not rest until this is accomplished.
“Just yesterday, another major milestone was recorded with the conviction of a top ISWAP commander, Hussaini Ismaila, who received a 20-year prison sentence after confessing to several acts of terrorism.
“His conviction represents the growing success of our intelligence, investigation, and prosecution capabilities. It is strong evidence that those who terrorise Nigeria will face justice swiftly and decisively,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of IBAN, Dr Tijjiani Ramalan, revealed that Idris had approved a tripartite meeting among Advertising Regulatory Commission of Nigeria (ARCON), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and IBAN.
“The intention is to develop regulations geared towards enhancing the survival of broadcast media sector.
“We at IBAN advocate the review of the National Broadcasting Code to embrace administrative and technological realities,” Ramalan said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Raymond Dokpesi jnr, said many broadcasters are facing serious challenges in this dynamic times.
According to him, IBAN is competing among global brands that spread negative narratives of Nigeria.
He urged for support for IBAN to enable to keep telling the Nigerian stories.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had in attendance representatives from NBC, ARCON, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Startimes/NTA and many others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
