Tinubu’s Information Minister Backs GOMEP-NG, Seeks Stronger Government-Media Partnership

By Charity Uwakwe

At a time when misinformation continues to threaten public trust, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with responsible online publishers, describing the media as an indispensable pillar of democracy. His message came during a landmark meeting with the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), where he advocated stronger collaboration to promote national development, ethical journalism and democratic governance.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen collaboration with responsible online media organisations as part of efforts to deepen democracy, promote transparency and foster national development. Speaking while receiving the national executives of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the association’s commitment to responsible journalism and urged media practitioners to remain professional, objective and unwavering in the fight against fake news.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with responsible online media organisations after receiving the national leadership of GOMEP-NG on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the media as the “Fourth Estate,” while urging journalists to combat fake news through ethical reporting, and pledged continuous engagement with recognised media associations.

ABUJA -Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a stronger working relationship with responsible online publishers, describing the media as an indispensable pillar of democracy and national development.

The Minister made the remarks on Wednesday, July 2, when he received the National Executive Council of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) at his office in Abuja on behalf of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The GOMEP-NG delegation, led by its National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, visited the Minister to seek closer collaboration with the Presidency in promoting responsible journalism, public enlightenment and national development.

Welcoming the delegation, Idris described the visit as a demonstration of the association’s desire to work constructively with the government in advancing democratic ideals.

“Your decision to engage with the government shows your commitment to national development. The media is an integral and essential part of democracy. Without the media, the framework that sustains transparency, accountability and democratic balance would not exist,” he said.

The Minister noted that President Tinubu strongly believes in the power of the media to shape democracy and national progress, adding that the administration remains committed to constructive engagement with professional media organisations.

Continuing, he encouraged GOMEP-NG to strengthen collaboration with existing media bodies, stressing that unity among media stakeholders would enhance dialogue and cooperation with the government.

Acknowledging the association’s expanding national footprint, particularly across Nigeria’s South-South region, Idris urged members to deploy their growing influence in promoting ethical journalism and credible information.

While commending the association for expressing support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he observed that democracy allows citizens and groups to hold different political opinions.

The Minister, however, warned against fake news, misinformation, disinformation and media blackmail, urging online publishers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.

“Don’t allow yourselves to become part of fake news. Don’t malign people or promote blackmail. Report objectively without fear or favour. If there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, it is your professional and ethical responsibility to report it,” he said.

Speaking on the association’s decision to confer on him the position of Patron, Idris expressed gratitude but explained that accepting the honour while serving as Minister could create perceptions of favouritism towards one media organisation over others.

“I sincerely appreciate the honour. However, as Minister of Information, I belong to every media organisation. Accepting patronship of one association may create the impression of bias, and I must remain fair to all,” he explained.

Nevertheless, the Minister assured GOMEP-NG of sustained engagement with the Ministry, pledging continued support for recognised media associations to enable them to perform their constitutional role effectively.

Furthermore, the Minister encouraged the association to continue contributing ideas that would strengthen governance, national unity and public communication.

The visit culminated in the presentation of Awards of Excellence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister in recognition of their contributions to media development, democratic governance and national service.