Tag: MOHAMMED Idris

Nigeria has expressed its readiness to strengthen relations with Indonesia.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said there is a lot of untapped economic potential between both countries.

According to a statement signed by Suleiman Haruna, Deputy Director, Press, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the minister spoke at the ongoing second Indonesia-Africa Forum, held from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia.

The minister who is representing President Bola Tinubu at the Forum, led the Nigerian delegation to the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Joint Leaders Session.

The statement reads in part: “The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering a stronger partnership with Indonesia, emphasizing that both regions stand to gain significantly from enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

“The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, aimed at propelling both our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Read Also: Nigeria seeks stronger EU partnership to combat malnutrition

“Nigeria is committed to leveraging our shared strengths and resources to focus on critical pillars such as economic transformation, energy and mining, food and health security, and the digital economy. These are the foundations upon which our future cooperation will be built, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth beneficial to all our nations.”

“The forum highlighted the significant economic and demographic potential of Africa and Indonesia, which together represent over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion. The event brought together Heads of State, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from across the regions to discuss economic cooperation, address global challenges, and explore avenues for mutual sustainable growth and development.

“Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 was also a focal point during the discussions.

“The Minister emphasized President Tinubu’s comprehensive agenda for economic reforms, security, governance, and social development at the national level, as well as his efforts to enhance regional trade, infrastructure, and political stability through his leadership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was noted as a key driver for boosting intra-African trade and industrialization.

“The event, attended by delegates from 22 African countries and five non-African countries, also paid homage to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, which laid the groundwork for Asia-Africa relations.

“The meeting called for increased interaction between the continents in terms of trade, investment, and development cooperation.

“It was emphasized that Africa should move beyond being a mere exporter of raw materials to becoming a centre of production, with specific recognition given to the trans-Saharan Gas pipeline projects between Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco.”

The Indonesia-Africa Forum serves as a strategic platform to bolster economic ties between Indonesia and African nations.

The forum facilitates dialogue, fosters partnerships, and promotes sustainable development through collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and the digital economy.

Misinformation, disinformation and fake news erode confidence between the government and the people, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stated this yesterday in London.

He urged foreign media organisations to balance their news reports on Nigeria in line with the fearnes principle of journalism.

The minister spoke during a visit to the Bush House headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim said Idris met with the  BBC’s top management, headed by Mr Jonathan Munro, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the BBC News and Director of the BBC World Service.

The statement said the Minister’s visit to the BBC was “ part of a bridge-building and cooperation efforts between the government, foreign and local media houses.”

The statement said at the meeting, Idris canvassed fostering understanding as a key element in driving development.

‘’The media plays an indispensable role in shaping the right narratives, fostering understanding, and driving development, and as such, it is incumbent on media houses with global reach to deepen their understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural characteristics of the societies they report on”, Idris said.

Read Also: JUST IN: FG threatens legal action over alleged Samoa agreement misinformation

He also underscored the vital role the BBC plays as a longstanding narrator of the Nigerian political journey.

He said  it was “important for the BBC to balance its reporting on Nigeria by highlighting the progress and successes of the country and adopting deliberate content that inspires hope for a brighter future.”

‘The minister added: “Nigeria has a flourishing youth population with uncommon zeal to seize positive opportunities even in the face of immense challenges, a situation that warrants more emphasis on positive outcomes in Nigeria.”

Idris said one of the key challenges amongst youth in Nigeria and the world over, is the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.

He said these challenges  hinder progress and erode trust between government and the people.

 He asked the BBC to  “strengthen mechanisms for addressing the aforementioned challenges by also working in concert with its foreign partners to combat these threats and ensure the media ecosystems remain credible and responsible.”

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, Wednesday, June 25, stressed the role of the media in forging national unity.

Idris, however, warned that the role must be played with the utmost responsibility while working closely to advance the course of good governance in the country.

He therefore reassured the media of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism.

The minister spoke at the public presentation of the book “Writing for Media and Monetizing It” authored by the editor-in-chief and Senior Vice Chairman of the Leadership Media Group, Azubuike Ishiekwene.

The event, chaired by the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, was attended by senior journalists, writers, public relations practitioners, businessmen, and women.

Others included the Senator representing FCT, Ireti Heebah Kingibe; publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Sam Amuka; Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and four former Presidential Spokespersons, among others.

The book was reviewed by popular newspaper columnist and TV anchor, Reuben Abati.

Idri said: “The role of the media in shaping public opinion and promoting national unity cannot be overstated. 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.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the Tinubu administration to 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 President Tinubu 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.

“However, freedom comes with responsibility. As we champion the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise this freedom with a sense of duty, ethics, and patriotism. It is crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.”

In the book, the minister said it seeks to close the critical gap between practice and entrepreneurship in the media industry.

He therefore urged writers to pay attention to the commercial side of the author’s writing to benefit from the enormous creativity.

He said: “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, as well as solid proof of why anyone interested in the commercial side of writing should be paying serious attention to him.

 “A very valuable book that seeks to close the critical gap between practice and entrepreneurship in the media industry. It is also, a book that will benefit a very wide range of readers, young and old, freelance or full-time.”

Describing the author as a man of many parts in the industry, Idris said: “He(Azu) has led large media organisations, has been active in industry bodies, at home and abroad, has been a founder, judged prestigious media competitions, and taught and trained generations of young practitioners.

Read Also: Minister, governor for community policing town hall

“Amidst all of these, one fact cannot be missed: that at his very core, Azu sees himself as a writer; a man whose primary calling and first love is putting pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, and shaping public discourse in the most insightful and illuminating of ways.

He also recommended the book to a very wide range of readers, young and old, freelance or full-time.

In her part, the chairman of Leadership Media Group, Zainab Nda-Isaiah lamented the conditions of many writers who have helped shape public opinion and drive change, yet languishing in penury.

Mrs Nda-Isaiah said: “Writers and columnists are thought leaders, who offer great perspectives and challenge the status quo. Their words have the power to inspire change, spark debates, and mobilize action, yet it is rather unfortunate that many columnists and writers the world over in my own personal words, are ‘broke’ for lack of a better word.

“I believe that it is this conundrum that brought the idea of writing this book to the offer. This book is a comprehensive guide that covers the entire process of writing.

“This book is in a class of its own because it focuses on the craft of monetising the art of great writing.  To achieve this, the author has shared insights, experience, and real-life accounts and from other renowned people in the industry.”

She described the author as a “mentor, a friend, a colleague,” who has spent many fruitful years in the media industry working in different capacities,  the latest being his role as editor-in-chief and senior vice chairman of LEADERSHIP Group.

She also acknowledged the author’s dedication to duty and his capacity to pay attention to details and qualities that have sharpened his craft, writing articles on diverse issues which helped to produce the book which she said has become “a game changer”.

She, therefore, concluded that the book will enhance the development of the practitioners encompassing the print, broadcast, and digital platforms, each with its uniqueness.

The author, Azubuike Ishiekwene a former MD of Punch Newspaper said the book cuts across all age divides, especially those interested in concise and impactful communication.

“The book is useful for people who are interested in clear, concise, and impactful communication, especially in the form of writing.

“What if you are creating other forms of content? Money flows in the direction of value, alright? And so it’s possible to monetize content if you get to the point where you are creating any sort of content that people find useful and valuable.

 “So my advice to younger people would be that the more effort, the more deliberate, intentional effort they put in studying, in reading something that is of value, the more creative they will be.

“The book also benefited me greatly and I did of course from interviewing a wide range of professionals from different backgrounds. So it’s also an encounter with people across all generations; people who have practised, and who have been in the big team and more.

“Seeing this either being a beauty and triumph and then we share experiences with them in this book about how they overcame some of the obstacles that they faced.”

The book reviewer, Reuben Abati said the title of the book was a total contradiction of the contents.

Abati also said the 280-page book did not talk about the ethics of the profession.

He however said the book is a must-read for all who aspire for knowledge in the industry.

• Kyari: Project will be ready first quarter 2025

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, yesterday described the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) as a crucial component of Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic prosperity.

Idris said the project underscores the country’s largest domestic gas pipeline endeavor to date.

The minister, in a statement also said the project remains the critical link between economic development and security, stressing that many security challenges in Northern Nigeria stemmed from economic deprivation, which can be alleviated by job creation and economic prosperity.

He consequently assured that the project will transform the economic, and industrial landscape of the northern region of the country.

The Minister said the project is a crucial component of Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic prosperity agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring it as the country’s largest domestic gas pipeline endeavor to date.

The statement which was signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim reads in part: “The AKK project is focused on unleashing the immense economic potential of Northern Nigeria. The gas that will be transported will bring much-needed energy to homes, businesses, and industries, and will also be available for enabling transportation and bringing down its cost.

“The continuation and fast-tracking of this project—Nigeria’s biggest domestic gas pipeline project so far—by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration is a testament to the President’s commitment to the industrialization and economic prosperity of every part of the country.

“Energizing homes, farms, and industries are pivotal for large-scale job creation.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Malam Mele Kyari yesterday gave the assurance that the project will be delivered in the end of the first quarter of 2025.

A statement the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Olufemi Soneye issued from Abuja, noted that Kyari said major segments of the job have been completed.

He said this was made known during the visit of three cabinet Ministers to the AKK Gas Pipeline Project Site where they inspected the River Kaduna crossing milestone of the project in Kaduna.

According to the statement, Kyari gave the assurance to the  three ministers who visited the project site.

They were: Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo.

 Soneye quoted Kyari as saying, “Without promising too much, we assure you that this Project will be delivered on schedule. Our mission is to work towards delivering it by December this year. But we are confident this project will be delivered by 1st Quarter of 2025.”

The Federal Government has highlighted the huge multiplier impact of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project on the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation.

Speaking at the project site, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun described the AKK Gas pipeline as the pipeline of prosperity, which is very dear to the President, because it will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to trigger the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation.

“The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration and its delivery is in line with Mr. President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people,” Edun added.

Read Also:AKK gas pipeline project crucial component of Nigeria’s industrialization, economic prosperity – Minister

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi said the AKK Gas Pipeline Project is a testimony to the fact that the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” has commenced in earnest.

“Nigerians should be proud of the AKK Gas Pipeline project. With the delivery of this project, the prosperity that Mr. President is always talking about is unravelling right here before our eyes,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said the gas pipeline is part of the Federal Government’s many efforts to harness the nation’s abundant gas resources towards improving power generation, revamping ailing industries, and creating employment opportunities in the country.

Ekpo urged all stakeholders to support the NNPC Ltd towards delivering the project and several other gas projects as the country depends on it to bring prosperity to the people.

The three Ministers, who lauded the NNPC Ltd and its project partner, Brentex/CPP Ltd (BCL) on the progress made so far, also expressed optimism that the NNPC will deliver as promised.

Meanwhile, Kyari, who  said the NNPC Ltd recognises the strategic importance and enormous value of the project to Nigeria’s economy, stressed that the Company was bankrolling the project on the back of its own balance sheet.

In his speech, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, said the completion of the AKK gas pipeline will herald the much-needed economic and industrial revival in the state.

“If you know about the Kakuri Industrial Area and how most of our factories there have become moribund, you will understand why we in Kaduna State are all excited about the AKK Gas Pipeline. Without doubt, the pipeline will revamp our industries and bring about a huge impact on our people. We can’t wait for it to be completed,” the Governor added.

The government has denied renaming the Murtala Muhammed Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Wole Soyinka Expressway.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the renaming of the Murtala Muhammed was never contemplated by President Bola Tinubu-led administration. 

The minister made the clarification in a statement issued by his special assistant on media, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Monday, June 17.

The statement read: “We have noted the rumours being circulated that the Murtala Mohammed Expressed Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been renamed as Wole Soyinka Way. 

“The renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Expressway Way has never been contemplated by this administration. 

Read Also: Trump’s conviction: I may reapply for my US Green Card, says Soyinka

“For the record, on June 4, 2024, 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 Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way). 

“During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Barrister 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 Mohammed 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 Mohammed Expressway. The report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors.”