Strengthening Truthful Communication and Youth Confidence in Governance – Hon. Malagi

Reset the Feed with the Honourable Minister of Information, a high-level youth and media engagement hosted by the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, at the Youth House in Abuja, convened students, youth leaders, media professionals, and key stakeholders for a robust and forward-looking national dialogue on governance, political communication, and the urgent fight against misinformation.

The engagement provided a vital platform for rebuilding trust between government, the media, and young Nigerians, anchored on transparency, accountability, and constructive dialogue as tools for strengthening democratic governance.

Responding to questions from participants, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, underscored purpose, resilience, and integrity as the cornerstones of effective leadership. He urged young Nigerians to remain steadfast in their aspirations and patriotic duties, affirming that the Ministry of Information and Orientation serves as the government’s clearinghouse for truth across all sectors. The Minister reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR administration’s commitment to honest and responsible communication, stressing that national challenges are neither denied nor concealed but addressed openly in the national interest, free from political interference.

Highlighting tangible progress under the current administration Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister revealed that over 788,000 Nigerians have benefited from the NELFUND student loan scheme, while the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme continues to equip youths with globally competitive digital skills. He also announced Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and disclosed that the nation’s foreign reserves have surpassed $46 billion—the highest level in seven years—signalling renewed economic confidence.

During an interactive session that explored digital citizenship, journalistic ethics, artificial intelligence, women’s representation in leadership, mental wellbeing in public service, and the rising threat of fake news, the Minister described misinformation as a “deadly weapon” capable of undermining national unity and global perception. He highlighted international efforts to combat the menace, including UNESCO’s plan to establish an institution in Nigeria, and spotlighted youth-focused initiatives such as the Student Venture Capital Grant, which offers up to ₦50 million to support innovative, student-led enterprises.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Israel expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering commitment to youth development and announced that the APC Youth Wing School of Politics will commence in January, with the Minister serving as a member of its faculty. The event concluded with the presentation of an Award for Outstanding Leadership in Information to the Minister, alongside goodwill exchanges with participants, marking a defining moment in advancing truthful communication, responsible media practice, and meaningful youth participation in nation-building.