The Federal Government is to establish a Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja to strengthen the country’s media landscape.
 
Speaking yesterday at the Sixth Ministerial Press Briefing Series, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that he had already met with executives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to fine-tune the prompt take-off of the institute.
 
He expressed optimism that the move would fortify the nation’s media environment, and support practitioners in discharging their duties more effectively.
 
Describing the media as powerful stakeholders in nation-building and democratic evolution, the minister reassured of the government’s continued support and respect.
 
He, therefore, urged the media to reciprocate by reporting accurately, and without recourse to sensationalism.
 
Idris said: “My request to all the representatives of the media present here, and those joining virtually, remains the same. I urge you to report accurately, and without recourse to sensationalism. We owe it to Nigerians to present the news to them with every sense of professionalism and responsibility, with the intention of informing and educating.
  
“So far, eight ministers have presented their scorecards on the policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, since the exercise kicked off in February.”