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Tag: Mohammed Idris

  • Have faith in President Tinubu – Minister

    Have faith in President Tinubu – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s  administration as it made efforts to address the nation’s challenges.

    Idris stated this on Wednesday in Kano during an “Iftar” (Breaking of Fast) with media executives and practitioners organised by his ministry.

    The minister urged Nigerians to be patient with the government adding that the administration was working hard to surmount the challenges.

    According to him, the administration had introduced policies and programmes that would uplift the well being of Nigerians.

    He said Nigerians should have trust and confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu to ensure successful implementation of the policies and programme .

    Specifically, Idris said the administration was working assiduously in reviving the nation’s refineries.

    He assured that the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery would be completed soon and production would commence.

    The minister deplored how the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) was mismanaged by the immediate past leadership of the bank.

    He said the Tinubu’s administration had brought back the lost glory of the apex bank through adoption of apt policies.

    “The renewed hope agenda of Mr President has started yielding positive results,because the economy of the nation is gradually being  revived and the challenges will soon be over,” he said.

    Idris, urged journalists to be objective in their reportage of government’s policies and programmes aimed at moving the nation forward.

  • Nigeria is in an emergency situation – Information Minister

    Nigeria is in an emergency situation – Information Minister

    Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has said the country is in an emergency situation.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Idris said this after the meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention on Thursday in Abuja.

    Following the meeting, the Minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu as a result has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000 metric tonnes of grain including maize, millet and garri.

    Idris said the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria also committed to immediately release over 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to the public.

    He said that these were immediate measures taken by the Federal Government to reduce the hardships faced by Nigerians who are made to bear the brunt of high prices of food in the market.

    “These will be made available and we know that that is enough to take Nigeria in the next couple of weeks. One month, six weeks, perhaps up to two months.

    “Now the whole idea of this is to crush the cost of these food items. And these are measures that will happen immediately.

    “Now, the third item is that government is also looking at the possibility of, if it becomes absolutely necessary and as an interim measure, to also import some of these commodities immediately so that these commodities can be made available to Nigerians,” he said.

    Idris also said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security would further invest massively in the farming process to boost production and ensure the country’s food potential are fully exploited.

    He said that government would appeal to persons or groups to stop hoarding these products in order to maximise profit at the detriment of ordinary Nigerians.

    “Government of course is also looking at all those who are hoarding these commodities, because actually, these commodities are available in the stores of many traders.

    “Government is appealing to them that they should open up these doors and make these commodities available in the interest of our nation.

    “There is no point when the whole country is looking for this food you are locking up these products where you make more money and then Nigerians suffer. Of course, government will not fold its arms.

    “If they don’t respond by bringing these commodities to the market, government will take appropriate measures to ensure that these products are made available to Nigerians.”

    The Minister said that government would also take measures to ensure that food continue to be accessible and affordable to Nigerians.

    “We ask that Nigerians need to be more patriotic; be our brother’s keepers. Sell this thing, of course at a margin but at a margin that is not also killing to Nigerians.

    “This is an emergency situation. Every nation faces emergency situations. This is our own time to face this challenges.

    “The President has directed that whatever it will take, food will be available to Nigerians at a cost that is also very reasonable,” he said.

  • FG has guaranteed absolute media freedom, says minister 

    FG has guaranteed absolute media freedom, says minister 

    The Federal Government has guaranteed absolute media freedom to practitioners, but wants them to be truthful and responsible in their work.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known during his remark at the 21st annual Daily Trust Dialogue on Thursday in Abuja.

    The dialogue with the theme “Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers” was organised by the Media Trust Group.

    ”I have participated in about half of the Daily Trust annual dialogues since inception. The Media Trust is one of the most responsible media organisations in the country.

    “I have followed their trajectory from day one. I think that Media Trust has done so much for the country. I think that sometimes they take too much editorial liberty but overall I think they have done so much like other newspapers in the country.

    “I want to commend President Bola Tinubu. The fact that we are having this conversation here indicates that the Nigerian Press is indeed free.

    “Without press freedom, democracy will not strive, and of course Tinubu understands that and that is why since assumption to office nobody has been gagged or question about their media spaces .

    “And like I always say, press freedom or freedom of expression most times should not make you irresponsible. You cannot have freedom and not be responsible.

    “It is important that whatever and whenever  we report, we should say it truthfully, honestly and transparently. As a Minister of Information, I am telling Nigerians that am going to say it as honestly and transparently possible.

    “The Nigerian Government is not desirous of gagging press freedom or putting any press under fear. Nigerian Press is largely free, but we must report responsibly, and honestly,” Idris said.

    On talks going round in some quota that Nigeria did not condemn the war between Israel and Hamas happening is Gaza is not correct, adding that it is not a factual reality.

    According to the minister, he and other government officials attended the IOC conference on Gaza where Nigeria condemned in totality of what is currently happening in Gaza.

    He added that even when the envoy from the U.S. visited Nigeria some days ago,  President Tinubu reiterated his call to stop the carnage in Gaza and have a two-state solution.

    Idris narrated the processes of how the federal government and Labour unions resolved and agreed on the N35,000 palliative over the removal fuel subsidy

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Media Trust Group, Malam Kabiru Yusuf said there was a need to sit down and discuss problems and challenges of Nigeria.

    “The Media Trust has hosted this event annually and many dignitaries usually come down to  particulate.

    “Nigeria as a nation will continue to live,  because when all hope dies, a new one will come in. Welcome you to the era of Renewed Hope Agenda,”  Yusuf said.

    The event was attended by government officials and relevant stakeholders with speeches and commends appreciating the Media Trust and federal government on effort to fix the country.

     

  • Information Minister: 2024 Budget demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility

    Information Minister: 2024 Budget demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion submitted to the National Assembly demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.

    Idris stated this at the 2023 Public Lecture and Annual General Meeting of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Saturday in Abuja.

    The meeting with the theme, “Demographic transition, ethical resources, and sustainable development: Reflection on Northern Nigeria”, was organised by the Kaduna Chapter of the NIPR.

    The minister described Tinubu as a transformational leader with a solid track record in the private sector and at the level of subnational government.

    According to Idris, Tinubu is a man who will not be fazed by challenges and obstacles, because he is a man that is more than equal to the task.

    “Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year budget of his administration.

    “The budget as presented, signifies a pivotal step towards the realisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives.

    “In addition to its focus on development priorities, the budget demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal responsibility with all sense of sincerity, transparency and accountability.

    “President Tinubu’s administration recognizes the importance of prudent financial management as the foundation for long-term economic stability.

    “As the 2024 appropriation bill moves through the legislative process, we are very optimistic that its passage will mark the beginning of a transformative era, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians.

    “Before the budget presentation, President Tinubu had assented to an equally important Supplementary Budget, signed some landmark bills and Executive Orders into law, and inaugurated initiatives on fiscal policy reform,” he said.

    The minister added that the goal has been to deliver relief to the Nigerian people, and lay the groundwork for true and lasting prosperity.

    On the theme of the public lecture, Idris said the concept of demographic transition is a very important one for Nigeria, considering the place it occupies as Africa’s most populous country.

    According to him, by the year 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world, after India and China, and ahead of the United States.

    “On top of this, we are a very young population, with a median age of 19. What this means is that half of the population of our country is younger than 20.

    “We owe these teeming young people a great deal, starting with ensuring that they are educated for the world of the 21st century. Indeed, with our population, we are at a crossroads.

    “The choice is now up to us, as leaders, as elites, regarding what direction Nigeria will proceed in.

    “Today’s young people, if properly educated and catered for, will be tomorrow’s engaged and productive labour force.

    “Demographics are not only about age; gender is another important element. Nigeria’s population is roughly split evenly between men and women.

    “One of the pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda is inclusivity, which means inclusive policies and programmes for all segments of the population, especially youth and women.

    “You can see manifestations of this, even in the array of appointments made by the president so far, and the prominence given to young people and to women,” the minister said.

    The President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, represented by a Fellow of the Institute, Alhaji Bashir Chedi, commended the Kaduna Chapter for being active, consistent and always setting the pace.

    According to Neliaku, the theme for the conference is very apt and urged members to keep to the ethic and values of the NIPR and also to add value to organisations they are working for.

    Similarly, the Chairman of Kaduna Chapter of the NIPR, Mr Haroun Malami, said public relations served as an indispensable tool for shaping perception and fostering a supportive environment contributing to sustainable development initiatives.

    He said “figures from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that for every new children born in Nigeria between 2016 and 2019, seven were from the northern states”.

    The keynote address on ‘Demographic transition, ethical resource and sustainable development, was delivered by the former Governor of Niger, Dr Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu.

    The event attracted the Directors-General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Bulama; Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Dembos, and Voice of Nigeria, Mr Jibrin Baba Ndace.

    Also, in attendance were officials from Zonal Command of EFCC, FIRS, Kaduna State Government, Gombe Indigens Association in Kaduna, Jam’a Matan Arewa and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

    Awards in different categories were given to deserving members and other personalities in governance, gender politics and empowerment, tax administration, public broadcasting and many others.

     

     

  • Nigerian Press will breath, flourish under President Tinubu – Minister

    Nigerian Press will breath, flourish under President Tinubu – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Nigerian Press will breath and flourish under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister gave the assurance during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the NPC would discharge its responsibilities diligently as a regulator without gagging any newspaper organisation.

    “NPC is not as harmful as we used to think. Under my watch, we will not allow it to be harmful; we will ensure that it carries its functions in such a way and manner that press freedom is respected and guaranteed.

    “Also, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the media will breath. The President and all members of the Federal Executive Council including me have no intention whatsoever to gag the Nigerian Press.

    “Indeed, Nigerian Press will flourish under the administration of President Tinubu and everything it requires for it to function, the enabling environment will be there more than ever before,” he assured.

    Idris however said that in enjoying its freedom the media must also be aware of its responsibilities to the nation.

    “Tinubu has no intention to gag the Nigerian Press, but the freedom that the Nigerian Press has, also comes with responsibility, you cannot enjoy freedom and think that responsibility is no longer yours.

    “Yes, there will be press freedom, but how do you exercise that press freedom? It is important and imperative for every government to ensure that the press is allowed to do its job.

    “We have seen it in history that the more you try to test the press, the more problematic it becomes for you, and Nigeria has reached such an advance stage in its democratisation process that no one would gag the press at this point,’’ Idris said.

    The minister explained that self-regulation by the media remains the best form of regulation.

    He recalled that the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria     had came up with the Ombudsman to regulate the activities of its members.

    “If that is done and deepened further, that regulation that government was thinking about will probably not be necessary,” Idris said.

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NPC, Mr Francis Nwosu, said that the council was created to promote high professional standards for the Nigeria Press.

    Nwosu explained that the council looked into complaints about the press and the conduct of any person or organisation towards the press, and was engaged in the training of journalists.

    He added that it also monitor the activities of the press with a view to ensuring compliance with professional and ethical code of conduct of the Nigeria Journalist.

    “Our challenges include disagreement over NPC Law, lack of permanent office accommodation, funding, erroneous classification of the council as a professional body and many others.

    “To overcome the above challenges, there is need for the amendment of the NPC Act, and the need for OMBUDSMAN,’’ Nwosu said.

    The NPC boss drew the attention of the minister to the recommendation of the presidential committee on salaries which advised government to stop funding the council from January 2024.

    “This has been giving me sleepless nights. It has also brought about apprehension among the staff that are not sure of what will happen to them, especially as Federal Government employees.

    “If the funding will stop, then we plea for two years moratorium, Grant from Federal Government, permanent office accommodation and also a three to five years extension to enable the Council reposition itself before the stoppage of the funding,’’ Nwosu said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister has so far visited the Nigerian Television Authority, National Broadcasting Commission, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, NAN, National Orientation Agency, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria and NPC.

  • Why journalists in Nigeria deserve better working conditions – Minister

    Why journalists in Nigeria deserve better working conditions – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has said journalists in Nigeria work under the most difficult times and, therefore deserve better working conditions.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Idris, who disclosed this in an interview in Abuja, observed that some journalists had paid the supreme price in line of duties.

    He assured that he would work within the available government resources to better the lots of journalists in the country.

    “Peculiarity allowance for journalists is a contentious issue. However, we all agree that journalists need to be encouraged and have their dues.

    “This is because, they are working under and during the most difficult times, and sometimes,  they pay the supreme price just like members of our armed forces.

    “Many a times, you see journalists been embedded with members of the armed forces when they go to fight insurgents in the country and many of them come back with injuries.

    “You saw what happened recently in Zamfara, where a journalist lost his life because of the activities of bandits.

    “These are not desirable things and every Minister of information would want to see that this comes to an end,” Idris said.

    He explained in the interview with NAN that journalists also belong to the Nigerian state, adding that the country has its own peculiarity on how it grades workers in their salaries and wages.

    The Minister emphasised that why the government cannot just single out journalists on issue of wage increase, it is important to look at the peculiarity of the profession, and try to address them.

    “I advocate that journalists should live better. I am also conscious of the fact that they operate within the confines of our economic boundary.

    “It is, therefore necessary that we look, not in part, but in whole, that at the end of the day, we are also seen to be responsible citizens of the country,” he said.

  • What Tinubu mandated me to do – Mohammed Idris

    What Tinubu mandated me to do – Mohammed Idris

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says, President Bola Tinubu mandated him to promote patriotism, honesty and transparency as the core values of the administration.

    The Minister made this known in an interview with NAN in Abuja.

    According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is to take Nigeria to an enviable height among the committee of nations and change the negative narrative about the country.

    “He charged me with the responsibility to ensure that Nigerians are reoriented within the few years that we are here, so that, at least, we can recover our sense as a nation and begin to go in the right direction.

    “It is a great challenge. You know that moral decadence is not among the youths only but among the entire social strata of the country.

    “I think that is why the president renamed the Ministry of Information and Culture to Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

    “It means the president want to put the issues of orientation and reorientation in the front burner,” Idris said.

    The Minister further explained that the virtues of patriotism, honestly, and transparency were some of the things that Tinubu is vigorously promoting.

    “He has given us a marching order to see that those values are promoted and put on the front burner and disseminated to the majority of Nigerians for the good of all”.

  • NLC, TUC to consider FG offer – Minister

    NLC, TUC to consider FG offer – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris, says the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) will consider the offers made by the Federal Government with a view to suspend their planned strike.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Idris on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said this was one of the decisions reached at the Sunday meeting between the labour unions and government, adding that it will allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions reached.

    According to him, the parties noted that, the Federal Government has already announced N35,000 only as provisional wage increment for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months.

    “Also, the Federal Government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of PMS subsidy.

    “The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises. VAT on diesel will be waived for the next six months,” the minister said.

    Idris further explained that the federal government would commence payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period, from October to December 2023.

    The minister also stated that the meeting observed that the issues in dispute could only be resolved when workers are at work and not when they are on strike.

    Idris, who was part of the meeting, revealed that the labour unions argued for higher wage while the federal government team promised to present their requests to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.

    “A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    “NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above,” the minister said.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Gov. AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman of Kwara, and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, participated in the meeting virtually, which was chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu.

    Others were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite;  the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Similarly, the labour delegation was led by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero; Deputy President of TUC, Dr Tommy Etim Okon; NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and General Secretary of TUC, Nuhu Toro, among others.

    The NLC and TUC had directed their members and affiliates nationwide to begin mobilisation for an indefinite strike that would commence on October 3.

  • Tinubu approves N35,000 wage award for FG workers

    Tinubu approves N35,000 wage award for FG workers

    President Bola Tinubu has approved N35,000 as provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months.

    Malam Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that this followed consultations between the federal government and the leadership of the labour unions at the Presidential Villa.

    At the meeting, the Federal Government also pledged its commitment to fast-track the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation occasioned by subsidy removal on PMS.

    The Federal Government also committed to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises as well as waivers on VAT on diesel for the next six months.

    It also announced the payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October to December.

    Highlights of the decision reached at the meeting include:

    The Federal Government urged the Labour unions not to embark on strike action as the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work.

    Labour Unions made case for higher wage award.

    A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN)  and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State will be addressed urgently.

    NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the agreed resolutions.

    Gov. Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar  Bagudu.

    Others are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr Tommy Okon, Deputy President, TUC,  NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and the TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro.

  • Information Minister eulogizes national flag designer, Akinkunmi

    Information Minister eulogizes national flag designer, Akinkunmi

    The late Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi who designed the Nigerian flag was an iconic individual the nation will never forget, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said on Monday.

    The Minister, while visiting the Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan said Akinkunmi designed one of the most powerful symbols of Nigerians’ collective existence as a nation.

    Idris, who was received by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr Adebayo Lawal, said this was why President Bola Tinubu deemed it very important to send a Federal Government delegation.

    “The President received news of late Pa Akinkunmi’s death with regrets. But he also thanked God for the fact that it was a life well spent for Pa Akinkunmi.

    “President Tinubu deemed it necessary for the Federal Government to come and pay the last respects to him by sympathising with the Akinkunmi family, the state government and the entire people of Oyo state,” he said.

    The Minister said Akinkunmi, who was popularly known as ”Mr Flag” designed a national flag which has gone on to become a symbol of the country’s unity.

    “It has become the symbol of our independence, our sovereignty and symbol of our collective existence as people of Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu is proud of this gentleman for his notable role in making us a nation.

    “The colours of the flag are symbolic. There can never be a better symbol for us as a nation and of our existence as a nation

    “The national flag has the colours of green and white, with  the green symbolising the rich natural resources Nigeria possesses as a nation, and the white a symbol of our collective existence as a people living in peace and harmony with each other.

    “There can therefore never be a better symbol about collective existence as a nation within the context of what Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi has given us,” he said.

    Idris further noted that the deceased was indeed a patriotic Nigerian, one who believed in the collective existence of Nigeria as a nation.

    The Minister, however, said while the Federal Government was yet to receive any request from the Akinkunmi family, it was ready to look into any request the family forwarded to it.

    In his response, the Deputy Governor appreciated President Tinubu for the kind gesture of sympathising with the family, the government and people of Oyo State.

    He said the state government believed that the legacy of unity left by the late Pa Akinkunmi, through the Nigerian flag he designed, would not be lost on Nigerians.

    The Deputy Governor noted that the country’s flag has stood the test of time from 1959 when Akinkunmi at age 23 designed it till date.

    “While we as a nation have had cause to change the national anthem, the national flag still remained unchanged, and this is because the nation didn’t see reason to change it,” he said.

    The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garba Abari, was part of the Federal Government delegation.

    The Minister had earlier on arrival been received by heads of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s agencies and parastatals in Ibadan.

    They had gone on to accompany him on the condolence visit.