Government Cannot Serve Citizens Effectively Without Strong Communication – Idris

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended the Cross River State Government for modernising the state’s information infrastructure, describing credible journalism and effective public communication as essential tools for combating misinformation and strengthening public trust.

Idris spoke on Thursday in Calabar at the official reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now known as the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new Government Printing Press.

The minister described the transformation as more than the renovation of buildings and installation of modern equipment, saying it represented the restoration of an important public institution and a renewed commitment to credible journalism, institutional memory and effective communication.

“The decision of the Cross River State Government to rebuild and reposition this institution, rather than allow it to disappear into history, deserves commendation,” Idris said.

“Information infrastructure is itself an important component of development. Government cannot effectively serve people it does not effectively communicate with.”

He recalled that the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, established in 1971, had, for decades, documented the affairs of the state government and people through publications such as the Nigerian Chronicle and the Weekend Chronicle.

According to him, the transformation of the corporation into the Cross River Information Hub should usher in a new era in which the institution combines its rich heritage with digital technology to become a centre for credible journalism, innovation, professional development and meaningful public engagement.

Idris said the information environment had changed significantly, with news now travelling almost instantly across newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media, while artificial intelligence continues to reshape how information is produced and distributed.

He cautioned, however, that technological advancement and the speed of information dissemination must not displace the fundamental values of journalism.

“The faster information travels, the greater the premium we must place on verification. Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgement,” he said.

The minister said credible journalism remained one of Nigeria’s strongest defences against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and other forms of information disorder that can undermine public trust and national cohesion.

He also welcomed the commissioning of the modern Government Printing Press, describing proper documentation and preservation of official records as essential to institutional memory and responsible governance.

“A government that does not preserve its records risks losing its history; a people who do not document their journey leave others to tell their story,” Idris stated.

The minister said rebuilding public trust in government communication remained central to the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, particularly as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the government must communicate its policies clearly and honestly, explain difficult decisions, acknowledge challenges and remain responsive to citizens.

“Public trust cannot be commanded; it must be earned,” he said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Idris urged political actors, journalists and citizens to place Nigeria’s unity and stability above partisan, ethnic and sectional interests.

He warned against misinformation, hate speech, incitement and divisive narratives, stressing that political competition must not be allowed to undermine national cohesion.

“Elections will come and go; Nigeria will remain,” the minister said.

He urged journalists to verify claims, resist sensationalism and uphold professional ethics, noting that government, the media and citizens have complementary responsibilities in protecting the integrity of the information space and strengthening democracy.

Speaking at the event, Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, said the reactivation of the Newspaper Corporation formed part of his administration’s commitment to restoring key state institutions and strengthening information management.

“Our vision is to restore the Newspaper Corporation by bringing together its rich heritage and institutional history with modern technology, so that it can once again play a strong role in informing the people and telling the Cross River story,” Otu said.

The governor said the transformation was aimed at preserving the institution’s historical legacy while repositioning it to meet the demands of contemporary media and public communication.

Idris congratulated Governor Otu, the government and people of Cross River State, and the management and staff of the Cross River Information Hub.

He expressed confidence that the revitalised institution would strengthen the state’s voice, preserve its history and promote truth, professionalism and responsible public communication for generations to come.