Business Day has honoured the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, with its 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award, in recognition of what it described as his outstanding service and reforms in the nation’s communication sector.
The award was presented at a ceremony held yesterday in Abuja, attended by heads of several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including dignitaries such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim.
In a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Idris attributed the recognition to the collective efforts of the Ministry and its agencies.
“Over the last two years, we at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation have focused on redefining Nigeria’s national communication architecture to promote transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centered governance,” he said.
The minister noted that the Federal Government is strengthening public communication mechanisms to enhance professionalism and public trust. He said the Ministry, under his leadership, has pursued reforms aimed at promoting media responsibility, ethical conduct, and accountability across the information ecosystem.
Idris highlighted the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja — the first of its kind globally — as proof of Nigeria’s rising leadership in building an informed, ethical, and resilient information environment.
“As we look ahead, we will continue to strengthen public communication channels and deepen the reforms necessary for a healthier, more transparent information space,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to remain confident in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the country’s recent milestones signalled progress. According to him, Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, the oversubscription of the country’s Eurobond by more than 400 per cent, growth in GDP, and the decline in inflation reflect a stabilising economy.
“This is not a time for any of us to be distracted,” he cautioned.
He also appealed to media practitioners to support the government’s developmental agenda. “I therefore call on all of you, especially my colleagues, members of the media, to join hands with the administration of President Bola Tinubu so that we can all go in the direction that Mr President has promised — the direction of prosperity, unity, cohesion, and irreversible development,” he said.
