“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.
“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.
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