FG urges information officers to build trust, improve coordination and communicate clearly to advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
The Federal Government has urged Resident Information Officers to prioritise trust, coordination and effective communication in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday at a stakeholders’ meeting for Resident Information Officers in Abuja.
The meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, brought together officers on Grade Levels 14 to 17 from across government institutions.
Mohammed Idris said effective government communication depends largely on trust, clarity and coordination among officials.
He told the officers that honesty remains the foundation of public trust and the most valuable asset in discharging their duties.
Mohammed Idris warned the officers against acting as internal opposition within the government they serve, urging them to communicate policies responsibly and professionally.
He stressed the need for collaboration with political appointees, including media aides and special advisers, to ensure seamless information flow.
The minister used a personal example from December 2025, when the United States bombed a terrorist hideout in Sokoto, to highlight the value of patience and accuracy.
Mohammed Idris said he consulted presidential media aides and relevant stakeholders before releasing verified information, describing the process as disciplined and strategic.
He said delayed but accurate communication prevents costly errors and strengthens institutional credibility.
Former Adamawa State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ahmed Sajoh, said information officers require continuous training to function effectively as a bridge between government and citizens.
Ahmed Sajoh urged the officers to maintain cordial relationships with their principals and build trust through humility, character and professional conduct.
He described loyalty to the nation as paramount and charged the officers to counter misinformation, disinformation and fake news.
The Executive Director of Development SPECS Academy, Professor Okey Okechukwu, said experience sharing enhances effective communication across government institutions.
Okey Okechukwu advised information officers to document their principals’ activities and ensure regular media visibility through national newspapers.
Also speaking, the Special Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, said information officers must fully understand the mandates of their agencies.
Tunde Rahman warned that poor institutional knowledge weakens communication and undermines public confidence.
He urged the officers to align their messaging with the thematic priorities of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The meeting drew senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ogbodo Nnam, and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Ali Mohammed-Ali, represented by Editor-in-Chief Mufutau Ojo.
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Others in attendance included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Dembos.
