By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has lauded Voice of Nigeria (VON) for initiating a Forum for open dialogue and deliberations to get feedback on security issues in the country.
Idris also tasked the media on patriotic journalism and promotion of unity among the various ethnic groups in the country.
The Minister stated this during his address at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria’s (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
“This Forum is a space that VON has initiated for open dialogue, deliberation, collaboration and strategic reflection.
“It is a platform where policy voices and the voice of ordinary Nigerians can be harmonised for national unity, understanding and resilience,” the minister said.
He lauded the initiative by VON under the leadership of the Director-General (D-G), Malam Jibrin Ndace.
He observed that VON, established over 60 years ago, represents what Voice of America was to America in promoting the country.
“I know the Director-General of VON is working hard to broadcast in Chinese language and take the agency to a greater height.
“In a world increasingly defined by misinformation, polarisation and fragmentation, VON is embracing a renewed mandate to amplify the Nigerian voice by localising global content and bringing the world closer to our people in a language that resonates locally within their shared global experiences.
“VON is also internationalising the Nigerian experience by projecting our stories, values, achievements and aspirations to the world with clarity, consistency and pride, and this is very important,” Idris said.
According to the Minister, it is important that the media say what is true and what is accurate, but it is also important to know that journalists must report responsibly, patriotically and in the interest of the country.
“Your media responsibility and role comes to nothing if what you report only ends in fragmenting and putting the country in chaos.
“Even as you report, you should know that you have a responsibility to keep this country together by saying what you know will promote unity,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said his ministry intends to reach 15 million Nigerians within one year in the conditional cash transfer programme.
“Today we have paid over 5.8 million Nigerians who are actually poor within six months and we hope that before the year runs out, we will reach the 15 million mark.
”This is the work President Tinubu asked us to do, and we are doing it to ensure that we add our voice to the issue of security in the country. The security agencies have also helped us in carrying out the work,” Yilwatda said.
While appreciating and urging the media to always give feedback on his ministry’s activities, he commended the armed forces for the roles they are playing in saving the lives of Nigerians.
In his address, the DG of VON, Ndace said the VON Forum 2025 is a national platform dedicated to national unity, trust and collective actions around issues such as security, governance and citizen participation.
According to him, the theme of the event is a message that speaks directly to the soul of the nation’s aspiration and shared duties as communicators, defenders and builders of Nigeria’s future.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is not a mere policy document, it is a national philosophy that every Nigerians holds within them the capacity to contribute meaningfully for a more secure, united and prosperous nation.
“It is with that spirit that VON is convening this Forum. National security is most effective when the people are involved, informed and act with responsibility and patriotism,” Ndace said.
Also, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed in his goodwill message said the theme of the event aligned with the UN’s strategy on road safety.
He said that the FRSC will continue to partner and collaborate with VON to continue to sensitise the public on road safety.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, lauded VON for the initiative aimed at uniting Nigerians to participate in nation building.
The News Agency reports that the event attracted dignitaries from the Office of the National Security Adviser, retired and serving Service Chiefs, and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission. (NAN)