Federal Government Urges Online Media to Emphasize Positive Reports about Nigeria

The federal government has emphasized the importance of online publishers promoting positive reports about Nigeria on social media. They believe that this is crucial for the country’s socio-economic growth and development.

During the 7th annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed the members and called for the projection of the country in a positive light. He stated that this is a strategic component of the roadmap for socio-economic recovery and sustainability, and by doing so, it would attract foreign direct investment and other developmental plans for the country.

Idris emphasized the need to protect the country and take responsibility for its growth, stating, “If you say you want foreign direct investment, you want Nigeria to grow, and you want every good thing that happens to all great countries in the world to happen in this country, you must be prepared to protect your own country; nobody else will do it for us.”

The minister urged the GOCOP to carry out their responsibility with patriotism and professionalism, highlighting that the positive aspects of the country outweigh the negative ones and should be highlighted.

He added, “As Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, you have this great responsibility to ensure that you report only the truth and to help government officials to also tell the truth; it is your responsibility and you have to uphold it.”

Furthermore, Idris called on the Guild to continue their efforts in fighting fake news and maintaining their peer review system and disciplinary measures against members who violate the rules.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring credibility to government operations in the country and encouraged Nigerians to have faith in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which is working tirelessly to chart a roadmap for the socio-economic recovery and sustainability of the country.

He concluded, “You have to trust the person you have elected, and that’s the only way you can hold him accountable when he goes overboard.”

In response, the President of the guild, Mrs. Maureen Chigbo, assured that the Guild will continue to prioritize professionalism among its members. She emphasized that not all online publishers are members of the guild due to its strict mechanism for checking and sanctioning erring members.

Chigbo stated, “We will continue to work towards making sure that our members are professionals because professionalism is our watchword.”