UN grants Nigeria right to operate UNESCO media literacy centre
The federal government said the United Nations General Assembly has finally granted Nigeria the right to host and operate the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja.
The right was granted at a meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this during the certification at a World News Conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr Idris said that the remarkable achievement was realised by President Bola Tinubu’s absolute commitment to the project.
“The process started before I was appointed as the Minister of Information and National Orientation in 2023. When I briefed the president on the project, he said he is ready to do everything possible to ensure that the project becomes a reality. Today, we have won the right, and henceforth Nigeria will be a Centre for International Media and Information Literacy,” Mr Idris said.
He also announced that Nigeria would host the 2026 African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference and the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.
He said this would make Nigeria the first African country to host both global events in the same year.
“Nigeria has also accepted to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute (IPI),” the minister said.
He pledged the government’s continued collaboration with UNESCO to meet the Institute’s infrastructure needs.
He said it would also strengthen governance capacity by assembling a multidisciplinary team of experts to actualise the global mandate.
Mr Idris said that the formal inauguration of the institute was expected to be held in February 2026, in Abuja.
The UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja would equip the team to forensically debunk falsehoods.
It would equally enable them to trace malicious campaigns and saturate the digital space with credible, engaging content that reclaims the national story.
The institute is sited at the National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Troops nab six suspects in Lagos oil bunkering raid, dismantle site
Mr Yahaya said items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
States
Gov. Yahaya swears in 23 commissioners, 13 aides
Mr Yahaya also urged the appointees to implement policies and deliver good governance during the remaining period of his tenure.
States
Adamawa ADC governorship candidate pledges agricultural reform, improved security
He described Adamawa as an agrarian state with immense potential for economic growth and food security.
Lagos
Lagos lawmaker empowers 60 Apapa residents with fish farming equipment
Mr Adedayo said the initiative was designed to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security and improve residents’ economic well-being.
Health
Health experts urge pet vaccination as rabies outbreak claims two lives in FCT
The experts said rabies is entirely preventable through routine animal vaccination and prompt medical treatment after exposure.
States
Police nab suspected armed robber in Oyo, recover stolen motorcycle
The suspect, identified as Shafiu Nuhu, allegedly attacked a commercial motorcyclist with a hammer before fleeing with the victim’s motorcycle.
