The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has received the Business Day 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award in recognition of his stellar performance in public service.
Receiving the award yesterday in Abuja at a formal event put together by Business Day, graced by Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Idris credited the invaluable and impactful work of the Ministry and its agencies for the recognition.
“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,” the Minister added.
In enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s information ecosystem, Idris stated that his leadership has advanced reforms that promote media responsibility, ethical standards, and public accountability. According to the Minister, the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute here in Abuja, the first of its kind in the world, underscores the growing leadership that Nigeria has acquired in fostering an informed and 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,” Idris pledged.
He also implored Nigerians to remain hopeful in the administration and the steady leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While highlighting notable milestones of the government, which include the exit of Nigeria from the FATF grey list, the oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond by over 400%, the growing GDP, and the falling inflation, the Minister maintained that, “this is not a time for all of us to be distracted.”
“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 that Mr. President promised us when he took office,” he urged.
He commended the management of Business Day for acknowledging and honouring excellence, reforms, and innovation in public service.
The recipients of the award include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, among other heads of agencies. Other distinguished personalities at the event include Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim.