The Federal Government has announced substantial progress toward the establishment of the UNESCO Category Two Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in Abuja, with its launch anticipated this November.
This groundbreaking initiative is set to position Nigeria as a global frontrunner in fostering the responsible use of media and information within the digital era, marking a pioneering achievement as the world’s first institute of its kind.
Mr. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, made these remarks on Tuesday in Abuja.
He spoke at the launch of “Nigeria Media Renaissance – GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing” and a fundraising event for the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Persecondnews reports that GOCOP is a Nigerian non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organisation established in 2013 to promote journalistic standards among online publishers.
The organisation boasts a membership of 120 corporate publishers, comprising editors and senior journalists with extensive experience in print and electronic media.
The Minister said the institute will play a crucial role in combating fake news, stressing that it is our collective responsibility to unite and tackle this menace.
According to him, a single false report can spark violence, disrupt markets, and destroy reputations within minutes.
He said: “The media, particularly digital and online platforms, play a vital role in nurturing our democracy. As gatekeepers of information, you shape public discourse, influence perceptions, expose societal wrongs, and hold leaders accountable, while also bearing the responsibility to promote truth and partner in national development.
“It is in this context that I welcome the conscious effort to uphold the ethics and values that guide journalism in the digital age. One of the major challenges of our time is the proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
“These are not mere harmless errors; they pose significant threats to public peace, national security, and democratic governance.
“As the media landscape is reshaped by digital content, we need thoughtful reflection not only on how news is produced and consumed but also on its broader implications for our democracy and society.
“Recently, Nigeria marked 26 years of continuous democratic governance – a milestone worth celebrating. However, it is also a moment for reflection.
“Democracy, as we must constantly remind ourselves, is not an end in itself but a means to an end: the upliftment of social services, the guarantee of rights and freedoms, and the development of infrastructure that supports economic and human progress.
“It is with this deeper purpose in mind that President Bola Tinubu has taken bold steps to consolidate our democracy by shifting the economy from consumption to production through comprehensive reforms, investing in critical infrastructure, and enhancing social services.
“This administration is working diligently to ensure that democratic governance translates into tangible progress in the lives of our citizens.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, said the launch presented a unique opportunity to reintroduce GOCOP to the world and highlight its efforts to shape the online media landscape in Nigeria.
She said: “This event also allows us to clarify our identity amidst misconceptions that categorise us as bloggers, and to seek support for building our businesses and combating fake news.”
Chigbo explained that the guild was formed and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2013 to promote professionalism and combat fake news.
However, it was rebranded in 2014 following an initial backlash from those very individuals it sought to counter, who opposed its existence, she said.
She noted that the details of this challenge are documented in the book.
Chigbo appealed to the guests to donate generously to support GOCOP and the construction of the Guild’s Media Centre, estimated to cost N2.3 billion, which aims to empower members to run their businesses profitably.
She said: “Indeed, small and profitable businesses are the engines of growth for any economy. Therefore, we appeal to all public relations practitioners, advertisers, governments at all levels, and civil society to support our businesses in their growth.
“By enabling us to run profitable businesses, you will also strengthen our ability to serve you better as professional practitioners with a vested interest in building a society where justice, peace, and individual rights are protected against fake news and similar threats.”
The President, who described online publishing as the future of the media industry, urged the government and lawmakers to provide support through enabling legislation, tax exemptions, and grants, among other measures.
To eliminate unqualified practitioners, Chigbo stated that the guild has introduced a self-regulatory mechanism with zero tolerance for fake news and similar threats.
She said: “Members adhere to the ethical standards of the journalism profession, upholding facts, truth, fairness, and balanced reporting as fundamental principles.
“GOCOP, as a professional body, has established structures for effective peer review and regulation of its members. These include several committees, such as the Constitution Review Committee, Welfare Committee, Finance Committee, and Membership Screening Committee.
“Additionally, the Disciplinary Committee/Ombudsman is responsible for addressing member misconduct, providing a channel for the public to seek redress in cases of unprofessional behaviour.
“GOCOP takes its self-regulatory role very seriously, which is reflected in the publication of ‘Nigeria Media Renaissance – GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing’. This book was made possible through diligent teamwork among Guild members, guided by a shared vision.
“GOCOP acknowledges the collaborative efforts of other professional media bodies over the years, including the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, International Press Institute, International Press Centre, and Media Rights Agenda.”
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(NIPR), aptly described the 11-chapter book as a compendium of history, underscoring its significance as a comprehensive resource during his insightful review.
Neliaku stated that convergence does not imply the demise of either traditional or new media, suggesting instead that both can function within their own domains while fostering collaboration at the highest level.
He said: “As the author of the foreword aptly noted, collaboration is the way forward. This aligns with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations’ longstanding advocacy for partnership and collaboration.
“No single entity can accomplish everything required; thus, collective effort is essential. The NIPR focuses on reputation and perception management, recognising that there is only one overarching brand—the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Every other stakeholder operates within Nigeria’s ecosystem, sharing a common interest in fostering a better Nigeria. We each contribute from our unique perspectives to ensure our nation’s holistic progress.
“This collective endeavour involves every individual and entity working within their respective domains while uniting to strengthen the ecosystem.”
Among the dignitaries at the event were the former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, and the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Olufemi Soneye.
Service Chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police, were represented bysenior officers.
Several members of the diplomatic corps including notable representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria attended the occasion.
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