The Federal Government has directed information officers to prioritise networking, coordination, and clear communication to effectively deliver on their mandate and promote President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call during a stakeholders meeting for Resident Information Officers (RIOs) in Abuja, emphasising that public trust is the cornerstone of government communication.
Idris advised RIOs to uphold honesty and integrity in all interactions, noting that credibility cannot exist without transparency. He encouraged officers to collaborate with political appointees, including Special Advisers and media staff, to ensure seamless coordination in disseminating government policies. “There is a difference between a cup that is half empty and a cup that is half full. It is for you to choose the best way to present any information,” he added.
Highlighting practical experience, Idris recounted handling the U.S. bombing of a terrorist hideout in Sokoto in December 2025. He explained that engaging relevant stakeholders and patiently obtaining accurate information before public dissemination ensured credibility and avoided misinformation, a principle he urged all officers to follow.
Speakers at the event, including former Adamawa State Commissioner for Information Dr. Ahmed Sajoh and Executive Director of Development SPECS Academy Prof. Okey Okechukwu, stressed continuous training, experience sharing, and maintaining cordial relationships with superiors. They highlighted the officers’ role as a bridge between the government and citizens, tasked with countering disinformation and ensuring transparent reporting.
Special Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, further reminded officers to familiarise themselves with their organisation’s mandate and align with the thematic areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The meeting, attended by senior officials from NAN, VON, NTA, and other media agencies, reinforced the government’s commitment to professional, credible, and coordinated communication across all levels.