The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has identified intentional and strategic mentorship as a fundamental pillar for building strong, sustainable, and enduring national institutions, describing it as a critical national asset for long-term development.
The Minister made this assertion while delivering the keynote address at a special gathering organised in his honour by a coalition of former and current colleagues from his media enterprises in Kaduna.
Idris traced the parallel growth of his media organisations and the many professionals nurtured within them.
He expressed deep pride in the achievements of individuals who began their careers under his mentorship and have since risen to positions of influence across the media, public service, and private sectors, contributing meaningfully to national development.
According to the Minister, mentorship is not merely an internal organisational strategy but a deliberate process for building capacity, confidence, and leadership competence.
He drew a direct link between this philosophy and the governance approach of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that strategic mentorship underpins effective leadership placement and informed decision-making in public service.
“Intentional and strategic mentorship, if diligently cultivated, transcends corporate philosophy to become a vital national asset. It is the bedrock upon which a culture of efficiency and accountability is built, a vision we are passionately implementing in our service to the nation,” Idris stated.
The Minister commended the collective achievements of his mentees, describing their professional growth as evidence of the enduring value of purposeful talent development.
“I am immensely proud of your collective accomplishments,” he said. “The journey of building these lasting institutions, and our shared contribution to national development, mirrors the President’s vision for Nigeria. It is a testament to the power of nurturing talent with purpose.”
The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, delivered a tribute lauding the Minister’s unwavering patriotism, commitment to youth empowerment, and foresight in strengthening viable institutions.
“The Minister’s legacy is not merely in the organisations he built, but in the people he built up,” Ndace remarked.
“His timeless example of mentorship will continue to guide and inspire us in all our future endeavours.”
The event drew a distinguished gathering of professionals drawn from institutions founded or led by the Minister, including Bifocal Communications, The Market Magazine, Blueprint Media Group, and WE FM, reflecting a vibrant network of mentorship and institutional excellence.