Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its role in the designation of Public Relations as a cadre in the civil service.
Idris gave the commendation when the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku and the President of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Justin Green, visited him in Abuja.
The visit was to show appreciation to the minister for his support towards the successful hosting of activities for the 60th anniversary of the NIPR, which held between June 20 and June 27.
The Minister said that the Federal Government would continue to provide the needed support for Public Relations practice in Nigeria.
“Nigeria was, for the longest time, the only country in Africa that had a law that professionalised public relations.
“It was Nigeria that started it on the continent, and only last year did the Republic of Zambia come out with its own law.
“So now we have two countries on the continent, and only now in Kenya; the bill for professionalising public relations is at the second reading in Parliament,” Idris said.
According to the minister, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the NIPR and Global Alliance for the establishment of a degree-awarding institution for Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria is a welcome development.
He also commended the recent emergence of Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, a Fellow of the NIPR, FCT Chapter, as the Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CMY/MAM/EMAF
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Emmanuel Afonne
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris (2nd Left), Former Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Labaran Maku (3rd Left) and some other dignitaries at the event
Mandate
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu’ mandated him to bring back trust and honesty to public communication.
Idris stated this in Abuja at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with theme “Public Relations; Value Re-Orientation and Economic Transformation”.
I have the blessing and approval of my principal, President Bola Tinubu, who appointed me, to say it as it is, but in a palatable manner.
“He directed that trust must be returned to public communication.
“That is the only way people or citizens will respect and always want to listen to the government.
“We will keep doing that till the end of my job here,” Idris said.
According to the Minister, it is better to always tell the people the truth and for them to also recognise that you are telling them the truth.
“Trust and honesty must be restored in public communication.
“That is why, if I don’t have information about something, I will rather keep my mouth shut, than to reproduce ignorance,” he stressed.
The immediate past Vice President of Republic of Liberia, Dr Jewel Taylor in her Keynote address narrated her journey through stigma, criticism and ability to change the narrative and people’s negative perception of her.
Taylor commended NIPR, adding that the life of politicians revolve around crisis management, and therefore public relations remains an effective tool to address the challenges.
She added that public relations has been an activity in the Africa society, even before the coming of the colonial masters where drums of different categories were used to communicate to the people.
Welcoming guests at the event, Dr Ike Neliaku, the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, said, to mark the anniversary celebration, the institute planted 60 trees in each of the 36 states of the federation to address climate change.
According to Neliaku, public relations is very important for value re-orientation and economic transformation.
He emphasised the Institute’s commitment to creating a positive narrative for Nigeria.
Also speaking, the pioneer chairman of NIPR, Mazi Okereke said the cause of some crises in the country was breakdown of communication between the government and the governed.
“Nigerian Government needs to put public relations on the driving seat. We are delighted that one of us is now Minister of Information and National Orientation”.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of Ben TV from the UK, Mr Alistair Soyode called on NIPR to set up its branches in other countries to take care of Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event attracted stakeholders from home and abroad while a panel of notable figures discussed the topic, “leveraging public relations for economic growth”.
NAN also reports the the students of African International School, Asokoro performed a unity song by Temi Dakolo at the event (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 26. 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has restated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for journalists and the media profession in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a book presentation titled “Writing for Media and Monetising it” by Azu Ishiekwene.
“As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to a free and responsible journalism.
“We understand that a society can only flourish when its media organs are free to report the truth without fear of retribution and to equally hold those in authority accountable.
“The Tinubu’s administration is therefore, dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can work freely, without intimidation, and with the assurance that their rights will be acknowledged and protected,’’ Idris said.
The Minister, however, stressed that, freedom comes with responsibility.
He noted that as the government championed the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise the freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.
According to him, it is crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.
“We must all strive to ensure that this role is played with the utmost responsibility while we work closely to advance the course of good governance in our country.
“We must be wary of fake news, misinformation and disinformation and indeed, new cankerworms that destroy individual and corporate reputation, and above all, destabilise the society,’’ Idris said.
Speaking on the book, the Minister said the author had done a huge favour of distilling his great skill, talents and experience into the 280 pages of valuable works.
“I am very glad about the enthusiastic reception that the book is getting from a wide range of quarters as well as stellar reviews and comments, from some of our most respected media practitioners.
“This initiative represents a meaningful way for the author to give back to the media industry by offering valuable guidance and support to the next generation of journalists.
“Indeed, the way Azu has creatively deployed the Internet for this new book is a testament to how well he has kept up with changing times and technologies,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman, Leadership Newspaper Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah said the author has been honing his craft, writing articles that educate, inform and entertain on various and diverse topics.
“This book is not just a collection of tips and tricks, but a comprehensive guide that covers the entire process of writing for media from idea generation, to publication.
“However, this book is in a class of its own, because beyond what I just mentioned as its focus, the book also focuses on monetizing the craft of great writing,’’ Nda-Isaiah said
Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Shekarau, owner of Trust TV and Daily Trust Newspaper encouraged the media to focus on human angle reporting that would create traffic in the media space,
Similarly, Ms Kadaria Ahmed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Radio Now 95.3fm, stressed the need to educate citizens on the significance of what they are doing.
Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Mass Communication Department, School of Postgraduates Studies, Baze University, emphasised on the need for the media to be creative and adapt new trends in media profession. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Idris, Ribadu task media on better security reportage
Reportage
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Tuesday called on the media to effectively report the successes recorded by Nigerian security agencies especially the Armed Forces to boost their morale.
Idris made the call while declaring open a two-day workshop on effective reporting towards strengthening alternative terrorist ideologies for security/defence correspondents in Abuja.
The training was organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (OCTC) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the National Peace Academy of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Idris, said it is commendable to note that in advancing the frontiers of the fight against terrorism, the NCTC has sustained a strategy of regular engagement with the media.
He explained that this approach significantly contributed to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security.
“The media holds an immense power to influence the minds, shape narratives, and promote peace.
“In the fight against terrorism, the media can either undermine or bolster our collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies.
“Through your reports, images, and commentaries, you have the unique ability to educate, inform, and inspire resilience among the public. Therefore, your reporting plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.
“The media should continue to project successful initiatives and programmes of NCTC and ONSA that counter radicalisation as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists into the community,’’ he said..
Continuing, “I will enjoin the Defence Correspondents/Reporters to work closely with security experts, sociologists, psychologists, and community leaders to provide a multi-faceted perspective on terrorism and its alternatives.
“At all times, the media should uphold the ethics of journalism by being objective and fair and guard against sensationalism. You must also respect the dignity of victims and affected communities,” he said.
The Minister also said that sensational reporting could inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear.
He added that misinformation and fake news could be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves and urged the media to avoid such.
He further reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism.
Also speaking, the National Security Advisor, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said terrorist groups have continued to provide dysfunctional information through social media platforms, networking sites, and online propaganda, including mainstream and traditional mediums.
“This is a situation that we must jointly combat to attain a safe and peaceful society that will guarantee sustainable socio-economic development.
“To achieve this, the media practitioners must produce contents that would counter or prevent the appeals of terrorism and other non-state armed groups.
“Indeed, there is the need for robust media campaigns against terrorism, violent extremism and all other forms of organised crime that is threatening our corporate existence as a country,’’ he said.
Ribadu said that the workshop was part of the efforts to respond to the calls by the UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action for member states to develop and implement a national communication strategy.
“This is to ensure the dissemination of positive content across a wide range of media both traditional and digital platforms to counter terrorist appeals and violent extremist narrative,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Bosede Awodola, the Director of National Peace Academy of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, said the media remained the most credible source of news and information dissemination.
“I have no doubt therefore, that this workshop will upscale the skills of the media personnel present in their techniques of reporting and this will bring the required change to the ways terrorism ideology and activities are reported.
“The training will further improve state/media relations in our onerous and collective efforts to end terrorism in our society,” Awodola said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Climate Change: Forum to assist NGOs, SMEs, others access funding
Funding
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Africa Business Ventures and Investment Group, says it will assist Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and others access funding to address climate change and infrastructure deficit in Africa.
The Chairman of the Board, Mr Moses Owharo made this known at the inaugural Washington DC edition of the African Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) and Exhibition held via zoom, on Friday.
The Summit with the theme “Fastening Collaboration with United States of America in Fostering Climate Resilient, Economic and Infrastructure, and Industrialisation in Africa” was organised by the Group.
Those in collaboration with the Group include Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), and the private sector.
Owharo, who is also a Harvard Business School Alumni, said the forum usually organised international conferences and Summit where policy makers, government and private sectors come together to look at challenging issues.
“We have had programmes in Ghana, Russia and other countries.
“This one holding is in the Washington DC, USA and due to some challenges; we are doing it in both Nigeria and U.S. via zoom.
“The objective is to set up a fund for Africa. That fund will assist organisations and even governments across Africa. This is because government cannot do it alone.
“Where there are gaps, we want to close the gaps. So we will set up those funds that practitioners, NGOs, Small and Medium-sized Enterprtise (SMEs), local governments and countries in Africa will participate.
“We will not do it alone, we will work with UN, American Government, Nigerian Government and other countries in Africa.
“This is to ensure that our deprived NGOs, CSOs SMEs and citizens of African can have resources that can be used to be actively involved in climate change actions and area of economy development,” Owharo said.
On the area of Mining, he said that a lot of small scales Miners in Africa did not have capital to involve in active mining.
According to him, lack of capital usually push them into illegal mining that lead to collapse of mining site and death of Miners
He stressed that mining was a good venture but they needed training, capacity building and initial seed funding.
“There is need to open a portal or data base for them.
“That is one of the things that we are doing, especially with SMEs that are into commodity.
“We want to help them package and showcase their commodity to the international community which will increase their revenue.
“We also want to help them source for funding from funding agencies across the world,” he said.
Owharo further explained that the group also had partners in health infrastructure that would want to donate medical equipment to institutions that could deliver quality health care services to their community.
He also said that the group was in collaboration with Ministries of Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Environment and SGF, Climate Change Council and many others.
Owharo added that the group would expand and solidify its relationships with both international and local partners.
Meanwhile, Prof. Chris Schrage from the University of Northern Iowa, said that Africa needed to address the issue of mismanagement.
Schrage, who said that some African countries have unique transportation and educational system, added that climate change campaign should start from the schools.
She said that this was necessary to enable the young one get educated on dangers of climate change and how to address it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the Summit, Dr Brima Deen and other experts on Infrastructure, climate change and business investments from Washington DC and Abuja in Nigeria made impactful presentations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Senior Citizen Centre (NSCC), has restated its commitment to boosting inter-generational networking to enhance justice, safety and well-being of older persons in the country.
Its Director-General, Dr Emem Omokaro, pledged the commitment at the intergenerational networking event on ‘Elder Justice Advocacy’ in Abuja on Friday.
The event, with the theme: “Building National Youth Support Network for Senior Citizens”, was organised by the commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development.
The NSCC boss underscored the importance of integrating statistics in planning to enable the planners to have a clear direction, vision and mission for projects.
According to her, the 14.8 million population of the older persons in Nigeria will skyrocket to about 29.8 million by 2050.
“And population aging has implications on the individual, family, society and the nation. And this cuts across the socio-economic sector of the country.
“And because of the accelerated rate of non communicable diseases at old age and multiple morbidity, older persons are prone to impairment.
“Imagine if that huge population is growing without health care service, empowerment, income, skill, etc; the implications are that we will have a large population of vulnerable, needy and poor older people.
“Also, the implications will be on families that will be overburdened, and you will have a working population whose savings are compromised.
“Therefore, it is good to begin with legislation, policy formulation, plan of action, etc to build a foundation to ensure older persons have access to care; and that is what we are doing and will continue to do,” she said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, said the laudable initiative was a pointer to NSCC’s determination to develop a mechanism of engagement.
According to him, the mechanism and institutional framework is to ensure sustainable and effective awareness creation, sensitisation, advocacy as well as transformative preventive education.
“This is in keeping with the national policy on ageing, road map, national plan on ageing and project activities which the centre is intentionally implementing.
“It is also significant that the agenda for the dialogue is centred around volunteerism and how we all can join the vanguard to safeguard senior citizens’ dignity, safety, worthiness and continue engagement in our various communities.
“I am pleased to inform you that the unveiling of the Elder Justice Charter and Plan of Action is significant and commendable. It provides the vision, mission and guidance for the community of volunteers.
“Older persons’ rights are not negotiable and must be upheld. The Charter seeks to facilitate a growing support network and commitment to mobilising Nigerians to campaign for age friendly environments to various sectors.
“I would like to encourage youths, women organisations, educational institutions and NGOs working in various and relevant fields to key into the national framework, processes, programmes and stakeholders,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enitan was represented at the event by the Director of Special Duties in the ministry, Mrs Agnes Aneke.
The event attracted officials from the Ministry of Youth Development, NAPTIP, the community of senior citizens, Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.
NAN also reports that the highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the ‘Elder Justice Charter and Plan of Action, Youths Debates and Skits Competition’, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VON partners DEPOWA, urges citizens to respect Armed Forces
Partnership
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, has said that VON would partner with Defence and Police Officers’ Wife Association (DEPOWA) to project its positive and humanitarian activities to the world.
The VON boss stated this during a courtesy visit to the National President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said VON was established to tell and shape the narrative of Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa and Africans, including the Nigerian Armed Forces and DEPOWA.
“We do these by broadcasting in eight languages such as English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulfulde.
“We are also talking with Chinese Embassy to start broadcast in Madarin and other foreign languages.
“As D-G, working with my team, we have decided that we will be intentional and unapologetic in narrating the Nigerian stories, including the positive work that DEPOWA is doing for the youths and women in the barracks.
“I also want to commend you for all the works you are doing for widows in the country. You have a willing partner in VON, to partner and cover all your activities.
“President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the armed forces are given the best motivation and logistics to deliver on their mandate.’’
While commending the troops fighting for the safety of the country, he noted that some officers have not seen their families for over five months.
According to him, some even paid the supreme price.
“Only God will bless them.
“I also want to call on Nigerians to appreciate and respect our armed forces. Let’s respect our combatants’ armed forces who put their lives on the line,” Baba-Ndace said.
He stressed that even in death, armed forces should be respected by Nigerians.
The VON boss condemned the attitude of some Nigerians who spread fake news, misinformation and disinformation about the armed forces on the social media.
He called on citizens to respect and appreciate the armed forces paying the supreme price in the line of duty for the safety of the country.
Responding, the DEPOWA National President, appreciated Baba-Ndace for the support and partnership offered to DEPOWA by VON.
“We have skill acquisition and leadership programmes for the less privileged and other members of the society and barrack community.
“We will also be having more programmes in the coming weeks.
“Our husbands are doing a lot, but people go to the social media and spread fake comments and information that are discouraging.
“But we thank God that VON is also fighting fake news,” Musa said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baba-Ndace and his team were taken on a tour of facilities and programmes DEPOWA is currently coordinating for the youths and women. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says the Murtala Muhammed Expressed Way in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has not been renamed as Wole Soyinka Way.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, on Monday in Abuja said, such an idea was never contemplated by this administration.
“For the record, on June 4, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Muhammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).
“During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, proposed to the President that the road be named after Prof. Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed.
“Therefore, it is the Arterial Road N20 that is named after Prof . Soyinka. The Murtala Muhammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.
“We urge all citizens to disregard any misinformation regarding the renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Expressway.
“The report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors,” Idris said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
New ICAN chairman pledges to enhance professionalism in Nyanya-Mararaba District
New President of Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society, Mrs Onilede Oluwafunmilayo Iyanu (2nd Left), Rep of ICAN President Mrs Lucy Okena (3rd Left) and Rep of Registrar of ICAN, Mr Adamu Yusuf (1st Left) during the Investiture of Iyanu on Saturday at Karu in Abuja
Chairman
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has elected Mrs Onilede Oluwafunmilayo Iyanu as the chairman, with a promise to enhance professionalism.
Iyanu made the pledge in her acceptance speech, shortly after her investiture as the 4th Chairman and the first female chairman of the District on Saturday in Karu, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the executive include Mrs Idris Adeyiyi Kafilat as Vice Chairman, Mr Odiaka Gerald as General Secretary and Miss Fausat Yusuf as Assistant General Secretary.
Others are Mr Christopher Daniel as Treasurer, Mr Alade Bako as Financial Secretary, Mrs Elekanachi Nneoma as Technical Secretary, Mr Obama Friday as Publicity/Social Secretary and Chinedu Okpo as Ex-Officio.
They are to run the affairs of the district for one year.
Iyanu expressed her gratitude to members of the District for placing their trust and confidence in her to lead the esteemed and fastest growing district in the country.
“It is a privilege to serve alongside such talented and dedicatee professionals who are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct in the field of accountancy.
“I am fully aware of the immense responsibility that comes with this position, and I want to assure each and everyone of you that, I will approach my duties with unwavering commitment, integrity and transparency.
“Our outlook for 2024/2025 chairmanship year include ‘Catch Them Young Programmes’, Land Acquisition to Build Office for the District’, Seminars and Technical Sessions’ to enhance professionalism and capacity-building initiative of ICAN.
“Others are, ‘4th Annual Dinner and Award Night’ and ‘End of the Year Thanksgiving’ and activities that would involve visitation to the less privileged in orphanages, hospitals, churches, /mosques, donations, picnic and many others.
“We also solicit for moral and financial support to enable us execute these compendium, laudable and life-touching programmes,” she said.
Speaking, the ICAN President, Davidson Alaribe, represented by a member of Governing Council and Coordinator of the district, Mrs Lucy Okena, congratulated Iyanu and the new executive.
“We are confident that your leadership will continue to champion the values of ICAN in this jurisdiction. Thanks to Yahaya Akeem and his team for their valuable contributions.
“As a district close to seat of power, the Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society is one of the youngest, yet one of the fastest growing district of the institute.
“In just four years, the district embarked on various impactful initiatives including Corporate Social Responsibility Programme and other initiatives of ICAN that have impacted the people, professional Community and the local economy of Nyanya-Mararaba.
“May I use this opportunity to urge Iyanu and her team to be guided by the principle and values of the Institute and also know that leadership is a privilege and not a right.
“I encourage you to commit yourself in serving the members of the district and ensure that the efforts of the past leaders must not go down the drain,” Alaribe said.
He further urge them to work on the effort of the past leaders to keep the flag of professionalism and excellence flying in the district, including the catch them young activities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Samson Adegoke in his opening remark said ICAN, established about six decades ago has been instrumental in promoting accountability, transparency and ethical practice in Nigeria’s financial sector.
“Today’s investiture underscores our responsibility to uphold integrity, competence and accountability as Chartered Accountants. We must remain committed to excellence and adapt to meet the profession’s and society’s changing needs”.
Similarly, the Head of Abuja Liaison Office of ICAN, Mr Adams Yusuf, who represented the Registrar of the Institute, Dr Lanre Olasunkanmin, said districts were operated to attend to issues of members.
“The institute have over 63,000 members, there is no way the umbrella body will be able to attend to the needs of all the members; and the districts are to impact positively on the environment they exist”.
The immediate past chairman of the Nyanya-Mararaba and District Society, Mr Yahaya Akeem, said the journey was not easy.
“But, we thank God, there is light at the end of the tunnel, because, ICAN has a way of carrying out its activities. There are standard and procedure to follow, like the catch them young Programmes and training and retraining of members”.
NAN reports the event attracted relevant stakeholding which culminated at Iyanu and her team taking the oath of office. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Democracy Day: FG seeks religious leaders’ support
Support
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged religious leaders to support the Federal Government in the communication, understanding and delivery of democratic dividends to the citizenry.
Idris made the appeal while declaring open the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The conference has the theme, “Behold How Good and Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity”.
According to the minister, the convening of spiritual leaders of immense influence and experience could not have come at a better time.
“Your role as spiritual leaders in promoting peace, unity, and hope within our communities cannot be overstated.
“Just a few days ago, your collective voices were heard loud and clear, urging Organised Labour not to allow their grievances to lead to a shutdown of the national economy.
“We deeply appreciate this and other patriotic interventions from you.
We are all united, as Nigerians, by a love of country and a consistent desire to see the peace, progress, and prosperity of the land.
“Though tribes, tongues, religion, and political beliefs may differ, in brotherhood we stand, eternally proud of our country and full of belief in the limitless potential of its present and its future.
“As a government, we need your support, advice, and feedback. Very importantly also, we need you to be aware of the efforts being made, and the challenges being faced.
“This is important, so that you can help us communicate these to your congregations and the general public,” Idris said.
The minister noted that, often, citizens are not aware of the opportunities arising from the implementation of government policies and programmes.
He said that many ordinary Nigerians had benefited and are benefiting from presidential loans, grant schemes and other interventions, without needing to have any ‘connection’.
Idris stressed that all they did was to follow a simple application process.
“Information and awareness are critical, and this is where our religious leaders come in.
“You have very influential platforms that can enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the abundance of economic opportunities being thrown up by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Idris said.
Meanwhile, the President-General of the CBCN, Prof. Leonard Kawas, called on Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu Administration.
According to him, the current challenges in the country are not caused by the administration.
“But however, the President and his team are trying their best to ensure that we overcome those challenges, and make Nigeria a better place for all,” Kawas said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
