Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has stressed the need to restore public trust, acknowledging its erosion as a significant barrier to effective communication and programme implementation.
He pledged to prioritise timely, honest, and patriotic communication, stating, “You cannot build trust when you tell people what they know not to be true.”
The minister spoke at a meeting with the senior special assistants to the president on community engagement to strengthen their partnership and renew their commitment to disseminating information about government programmes to communities nationwide.
The event was held at the minister’s office in Abuja.
Idris highlighted the vital role of the senior special assistants in bridging the gap between the government and various communities.
These representatives, he said, were appointed to “feel the pulse” of Nigerians and relay their concerns and feedback to the government.
He said, “The ministry will collaborate with them to ensure government programs and activities are effectively communicated and understood at the community level.”
The minister informed them that the National Communication Team will travel across the country to directly engage with Nigerians, providing information and gathering feedback. He added that the ministry will offer its available platforms to support the work of the senior special assistants.
“The National Communication Team will also partner with the relevant special assistant for each community visit,” he said.
According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision is for Nigeria to “recover lost ground” and achieve shared prosperity.
Earlier, the three senior special assistants to the president on community engagement led by the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, North West zone, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, recognised the critical role local engagement plays in reaching those at the grassroots.
He added that the special assistants came to seek collaboration with the ministry to amplify programme awareness.
