L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako and the Head UNESCO Office Abuja, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, at the year’s World Press Freedom Day organized by the Federal Ministry of Information in collaboration with UNESCO in Abuja on Friday.

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World Press Freedom Day: Press freedom will not be compromised, Tinubu govt assures 4th estate of the realm

The Minister said the President recognizes the importance of responsible media coverage in enlightening, informing, and educating Nigerians and the world, adding that through credible and timely information, everyone can be well-informed, and the media can serve as a valuable tool for fostering transparency and accountability.

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Mr. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has asserted that the Tinubu administration has not harassed or imprisoned any journalist for engaging in responsible journalism, highlighting the significant freedom of the media in Nigeria.

Idris spoke at a point press briefing organized by his ministry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day in Abuja on Friday.“I have not seen somebody in the life of this administration, for example, who has been put in jail or who has gone into exile as a result of press freedom.

“We knew what had happened in this country in the past. Some decades ago, we knew that you had to leave this country to be able to report.

“I can tell you that the press in Nigeria is largely free, but that freedom will further be consolidated if honesty and transparency are upheld in the manner that we report,” he said in a statement from Rabiu Ibrahim, his Special Assistant on Media, emailed to Persecondnews on Friday.

“As a Ministry and Government, we provided the most unfettered access to journalists and provided the enabling environment that has continued to encourage the Nigerian media to grow by leaps and bounds,” he said.

The minister reminded the media that disseminating falsehoods and misinformation is irresponsible journalism and does not equate to press freedom.

He said that as President Tinubu strives to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, the media must present a positive and accurate portrayal of the country to the international community.

Idris said during his speech on this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” that the world is currently facing an unprecedented environmental crisis that threatens not only the planet but also the very future of humanity.

He said climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion are not abstract concepts but harsh realities that demand immediate and decisive action towards public mobilization and sensitization.

“It is our conviction that press freedom is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability. Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face.

“Disinformation and misinformation undermine public understanding of environmental issues and hinder our ability to take meaningful action. Therefore, we must staunchly defend press freedom and support the work of journalists who are dedicated to reporting the truth,” he said.

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, the Head of UNESCO Office Abuja, and the heads of parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, as well as the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, all attended the event.