The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for modernising the state’s information infrastructure. Idris said investment in credible journalism and effective public communication was critical to combating misinformation and strengthening public trust. He spoke on Thursday in Calabar……
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for modernising the state’s information infrastructure.
Idris said investment in credible journalism and effective public communication was critical to combating misinformation and strengthening public trust.
He spoke on Thursday in Calabar at the official reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now transformed into the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new Government Printing Press.
According to a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris described the development as more than the renovation of buildings and installation of new equipment.
“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.
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He added, “Information infrastructure is itself an important component of development. Government cannot effectively serve people it does not effectively communicate with.”
The minister recalled that the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, established in 1971, had for decades documented the affairs of the government and people of the state through publications including the Nigerian Chronicle and Weekend Chronicle.
Idris said the transformation of the corporation into the Cross River Information Hub should usher in a new era in which the institution combines its heritage with digital technology to promote credible journalism, innovation, professional development and public engagement.
He noted that the information environment had changed significantly, with news travelling instantly through newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media, while artificial intelligence was also reshaping how information was produced and distributed.
The minister, however, cautioned that technological advancement and the speed of information dissemination must not undermine the core 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.
Idris said credible journalism remained one of Nigeria’s strongest defences against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of information disorder that could undermine public trust and national cohesion.
He also welcomed the commissioning of the modern Government Printing Press, stressing the importance of proper documentation and preservation of official records 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 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,” Idris said.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the minister 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 should not be allowed to undermine national cohesion.
“Elections will come and go; Nigeria will remain,” Idris said.
He also 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, Governor Otu said the reactivation of the Newspaper Corporation was part of his administration’s efforts to restore key state institutions and strengthen 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.
Idris congratulated Otu, the Cross River State Government and people, as well as the management and staff of the Cross River Information Hub, expressing confidence that the revitalised institution would strengthen the state’s voice, preserve its history and promote truth and professionalism.
Among the dignitaries at the event were former Cross River State Governor, Chief Clement Ebri; Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme; President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku; and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah.
