INFORMATION MINISTER WELCOMES GOV OTU INFORMATION RENEWAL, SAYS CREDIBLE JOURNALISM IS KEY TO FIGHTING DISINFORMATION

INFORMATION MINISTER WELCOMES GOV OTU INFORMATION RENEWAL, SAYS CREDIBLE JOURNALISM IS KEY TO FIGHTING DISINFORMATION

Calabar (Core Reporters) The Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for modernizing the State’s information infrastructure, saying investments in credible journalism and effective public communication are key to combating disinformation and building public trust.

Idris spoke on Thursday in Calabar at the official reactivation of the renovated Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now transformed into the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new government printing press.

The Minister described the transformation as more than the renovation of buildings and the installation of new equipment, saying it represents the restoration of an important public institution and a renewed commitment to credible journalism, institutional memory and effective communication.

“The decision of the Cross River State Government to rebuild and reposition this institution, rather than allow it to disappear into history, deserves praise,” Idris said.

He emphasized that information technology infrastructure is an important component of development, stressing that the government cannot effectively serve the people without effective communication.

Idris 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 the Weekend Chronicle.

According to him, its transformation into the Cross River Information Hub is expected to usher in a new era in which the institution combines its rich heritage with digital technology to become a center for credible journalism, innovation, professional development and meaningful public engagement.

The Minister noted that the information environment has changed dramatically, with news traveling instantaneously through newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media, as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the production and distribution of information.

He cautioned, however, that technological progress must never replace the core values ​​of journalism.

“The faster information travels, the higher the premium we must place on verification. Technology can change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgment,” he said.

Idris said credible journalism remains one of Nigeria’s strongest defenses against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of information disruption capable of undermining public trust and national cohesion.

He also welcomed the commissioning of the modern government printing press, describing proper documentation and preservation of official documents as essential for institutional memory and responsible governance.

“A government that does not preserve its documents risks losing its history; a people that does not document their journey lets others tell their story,” Idris said.

The Minister said rebuilding public trust in government communication remains central to the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Guidance, particularly as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements far-reaching reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the government must communicate its policies clearly and honestly, explain difficult decisions, recognize challenges and remain responsive to citizens.

“Public trust cannot be commanded; it must be earned,” he said.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Idris urged political actors, journalists and citizens to place Nigeria’s unity and stability above partisan, ethnic and sectional interests.

He warned against disinformation, hate speech, incitement and divisive narratives, stressing that political competition must not be allowed to weaken national cohesion.

“Elections will come and go; Nigeria will remain,” the minister said.

He urged journalists to verify claims, resist sensationalism and uphold professional ethics, stressing that government, media and citizens have complementary responsibilities in protecting the integrity of information space and strengthening democracy.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otu said the reactivation of the Newspaper Corporation is part of his administration’s commitment to restoring key state institutions and strengthening 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 an important role in informing people and telling the story of Cross River,” Otu said.

Idris congratulated Governor Otu, the government and people of Cross River State, as well as the management and staff of the Cross River Information Hub, expressing confidence that the revitalized institution will strengthen the voice of the State, preserve its history and promote truth and professionalism for generations to come.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were former governor of Cross River State, 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 Press Council of Nigeria, Dr. Dili Ezughah.