Credible Journalism Key to Fighting Misinformation – Idris
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stressed the importance of credible journalism in combating misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, saying truth, accuracy and professional judgment remain essential in Nigeria’s rapidly changing information environment.
Idris spoke on Thursday in Calabar during the official reactivation of the remodelled Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, now transformed into the Cross River Information Hub, and the commissioning of the new Government Printing Press.
The Minister also commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for modernising the state’s information infrastructure, describing the initiative as a significant investment in credible journalism, institutional memory and effective public communication.
He said the transformation of the Newspaper Corporation went beyond the renovation of buildings and installation of new equipment, describing it as the restoration of an important public institution and a renewed commitment to professional journalism and public engagement.
“The decision of the Cross River State Government to rebuild and reposition this institution, rather than allow it to disappear into history, deserves commendation,” Idris said.
He noted 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 Weekend Chronicle.
According to him, its transformation into the Cross River Information Hub should usher in a new era where its rich heritage is combined with digital technology to promote credible journalism, innovation, professional development and meaningful engagement with citizens.
Idris observed that the information landscape had changed dramatically, with news travelling almost instantly through newspapers, radio, television, websites and social media, while artificial intelligence was increasingly influencing how information is produced and distributed.
He, however, warned that speed and technology must not displace the fundamental values of journalism.
“The faster information travels, the greater the premium we must place on verification. Technology may change the tools of journalism, but it cannot replace truth, accuracy, fairness and professional judgement,” he said.
The Minister maintained that credible journalism remained one of Nigeria’s strongest defences against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of information disorder capable of undermining public trust and national cohesion.
He also described the commissioning of the modern Government Printing Press as important to proper documentation and preservation of official records, stressing that institutional memory was essential for responsible governance.
“A government that does not preserve its records risks losing its history; a people who do not document their journey leave others to tell their story,” Idris stated.
He said rebuilding public trust in government communication remained central to the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, particularly as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration implements reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister said government must communicate its policies clearly and honestly, explain difficult decisions, acknowledge 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 misinformation, 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,” Idris said.
He further urged journalists to verify claims, resist sensationalism and uphold professional ethics, noting that government, the media and citizens have complementary responsibilities in protecting the integrity of the information space and strengthening democracy.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otu said the reactivation of the Newspaper Corporation was 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 a strong role in informing the people and telling the Cross River story,” 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 revitalised institution would strengthen the state’s voice, preserve its history and promote truth and professionalism for generations to come.
Dignitaries at the event included 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 Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah.
