FG vows to promote media literacy, counter misinformation

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The federal government has expressed commitment to vowed to promote media literacy, counter misinformation, and encourage individuals to leverage digital tools for social and economic advancements.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this at a symposium to mark the global media and information literacy week held at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), in Abuja, on Friday.

The minister who was represented by the Director of Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike, described innovation, digital inclusion, and national orientation as pillars for sustainable development in an age where children’s education is reshaping global communication and information exchange.

He said: “Building students’ capacity for critical thinking, public thinking, response to media use, and informed participation is essential to our collective progress as a nation. The ministry of information and national orientation remains steadfast in promoting media and information environments that encourage truth, transparency, creativity, and national unity.”

The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof Olufemi Peters, in his remarks, reminded the participants of the growing importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the rapid exchange of information.

He said: “For the second consecutive year, NOUN has been chosen to host this landmark global symposium. We see this not merely as an institutional honour but as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in advancing inclusive and equitable access to media and information literacy education in Africa and beyond.

“Since last year’s successful edition, we have received encouraging commendations from international partners, sister institutions, and development agencies. Their feedback has been both affirming and inspiring, affirming that our vision aligns with the global quest for responsible communication and inspiring us to strengthen our commitment to promoting knowledge that empowers rather than divides.

“As media and information have become vital components of all spheres of human endeavour, we must work collectively to address their negative consequences. The vast volume of information generated and circulated today can make our world more fragile, vulnerable, and susceptible to manipulation, propaganda, and hate speech if we do not actively promote their responsible use.”