By Gabriel Ameh
📍 Kaduna — Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has cautioned young Nigerians against spreading unverified information, warning that false narratives pose both moral and national risks.
This was contained in a statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation stating that the 20th Joint Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and the Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Kaduna.
According to the statement,the Minister noted that while digital technology offers economic and educational opportunities, it also presents challenges when misused.
“Verify before you amplify. Pause. Interrogate the source,” he advised, stressing that fact-checking has become both a civic and moral responsibility in the digital age.
According to him, unchecked misinformation can deepen division and undermine national unity.
Youth Empowerment Through Technology
Idris highlighted several youth-focused initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including:
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
The establishment of Africa’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute
He described media literacy as “the vaccine against misinformation,” adding that the programmes are designed to position young Nigerians for opportunities in the digital economy.
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful population remains a strategic advantage but warned that the nation’s future depends on how effectively young people are guided and supported.
“A nation that fails its youth has no future,” he stated.
UNESCO Recognition
The Minister also referenced Nigeria’s designation by UNESCO as host of Africa’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute, describing it as a milestone that will strengthen citizens’ critical thinking skills and resilience against digital manipulation.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Idris said safeguarding Nigeria’s informational space cannot rest solely on government efforts. He called on parents, educators, religious leaders, media professionals, and youth to work collectively toward building a digitally empowered and ethically grounded society.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor Uba Sani (represented), Governor Umar Namadi, and the Emir of Zazzau Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, among others.
