Minister Mohammed Idris Hosts Niger Bloggers, Charges Them on Responsible Journalism and National Interest

ABUJA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, has charged bloggers, online publishers and content developers to prioritise accuracy, professionalism and national interest in their publications.

The minister gave the charge during a one-day summit organised by the Niger Bloggers, Online Publishers and Content Developers Group in Abuja, themed “Nigeria First, Before Anything.” The summit was convened by Yahaya Mohammed Usman and Nurudeen Isiyaku Daza.

Addressing participants during a meet-and-greet session, Idris emphasised the importance of verifying information before publication, noting that digital technology has made virtually everyone with a smartphone a potential news publisher.

He urged media practitioners to uphold professional standards, promote responsible communication and support national development. He also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The minister pledged to sustain quarterly engagements with Niger State bloggers, online publishers and content developers, promising to expand future programmes into two-day sessions to accommodate broader participation and capacity building.

Earlier, the guest speaker, Dr. Yunusa Umar, PhD, an expert in International Affairs and Area Studies from Beijing Foreign Studies University, China, urged Nigerians to avoid spreading negative narratives that could damage the country’s international reputation.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, called on media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness and professionalism while ensuring that criticism of government policies remains constructive and factual.

At the end of the summit, participants adopted resolutions committing to responsible journalism, ethical conduct, positive national representation and constructive accountability. They also appreciated the minister for hosting the event and pledging continued engagement with digital media practitioners.