The federal government has called on state governments across the country to strengthen the capacity of their ministries of information in order to foster transparency, accountability and public trust.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call at the 48th Meeting of the National Council of Information and National Orientation on Friday in Kaduna.

The meeting had in attendance commissioners, permanent secretaries and stakeholders in the information and public communication ecosystem in the country.

This year’s council meeting with the theme, ‘Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: The Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus’ was organised by the ministry.

Mr Idris appreciated Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna state for the warm hospitality and unwavering support extended to all the participants.

According to him, this is a testament to the state’s pivotal role as a beacon of progress and inclusion in the country’s national development journey.

The minister explained that the theme of the meeting underscored the critical role of public information in bridging the gap between government policies and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

He added that such a role was at the very heart of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister further explained that the essence of governance is in its ability to connect, communicate, and inspire collective action.

Mr Idris added that information management was not merely a tool of administration but the lifeblood of democracy and development.

He then commended all the stakeholders in the meeting for their commitment to advancing this important cause.

Mr Idris said, “Nigeria’s unique diversity is both a source of strength and a challenge.

”With a multiplicity of ethnic groups, languages, and religions, ensuring that every citizen feels heard, informed, and included in the governance process requires deliberate efforts, especially by Information Managers.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is a clarion call for transformational leadership at all levels and people-oriented governance.

“The Agenda is firmly anchored on the time-honoured principle that governance must be inclusive, transparent, and centred on improving the lives of Nigerians.

“At this juncture, I would want to make a passionate appeal to some of our state governments, especially on the status and operations of State Ministries of Information.”

He said in the ever-broadening parameters of governance, the role of ministries of information at both the national and state levels cannot be overstated.

“These Ministries serve as the bridge between government policies and the citizens they are designed to benefit, thereby fostering transparency, accountability, and trust, which are essential pillars of any thriving democracy,” Mr Idris said.

(NAN)