Category: News

Nigeria has secured the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to host the first-ever Category-2 International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in the world. The landmark decision was adopted at the 43rd General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission (CI Session) of UNESCO, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. With this approval, Nigeria takes a historic step toward global leadership in the fight against misinformation and disinformation, positioning itself as a hub for international research, policy dialogue, and capacity building in digital communication and information literacy. Delivering Nigeria’s address at the conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation.” According to the minister, the Institute — to be based in Abuja — will serve as an international observatory and hub to equip individuals and communities worldwide with the skills to navigate the digital age responsibly. “The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech drives national progress,” Idris said. “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratization of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.” The minister explained that this milestone marks the fulfillment of a process initiated in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy and Feature Conference in Abuja and pledged to establish a UNESCO International MIL Institute. “I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which reflects his commitment to the Nigerian project encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a big win for all Nigerians and for the African continent,” Idris stated. He further pledged Nigeria’s continued collaboration with UNESCO to develop the Institute’s infrastructure and governance structure, noting that a multidisciplinary team of experts would be assembled to deliver on its global mandate. Idris also announced that the formal launch of the Institute will take place in February 2026 in Abuja, with UNESCO officials, member states, and international partners expected to attend. The Nigerian delegation to the 43rd UNESCO General Conference included Senator Kenneth Eze, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation; Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Ethics and Values; Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), who represented the Minister; Malam Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON); and Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, among other officials.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has called on Nigerians to uphold unity and mutual understanding as the foundation for lasting peace and national progress. Speaking during a press briefing on national issues at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Bishop Adegbite stressed that Nigeria’s peace cannot be achieved through divisive narratives or religious antagonism. The NCPC boss was reacting to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and hinted at possible foreign military intervention. “While we appreciate global concern for the welfare of Christians, we must clarify that the security challenges confronting Nigeria should not be misconstrued as a religious war,” Bishop Adegbite said. “It is a national security crisis driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality that have affected citizens of all faiths.” Citing reports from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), he noted that between 2020 and 2025, more than 20,000 civilians—both Christians and Muslims—lost their lives in various violent conflicts across the country. “These figures show that Nigeria’s challenge is not genocide against a particular religion but a multifaceted security emergency,” he explained. Bishop Adegbite commended the Federal and State Governments for their sustained efforts in combating insurgency and restoring stability, noting that substantial progress has been recorded in recent years. “The government has never sanctioned violence against any faith group,” he emphasized. “What Nigeria needs from the international community is partnership, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and humanitarian assistance — not threats of military intervention.” He cautioned that any foreign military action could destabilize the entire West African sub-region, potentially triggering widespread humanitarian and economic crises. “Nigeria is a complex, multi-ethnic democracy with over 220 million citizens and more than 250 ethnic nationalities,” the NCPC Executive Secretary stated. “What we need is cooperation and solidarity, not coercion or divisive rhetoric.” Bishop Adegbite also praised the ongoing collaboration between Christian and Muslim leaders under the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing it as a critical platform for fostering peace and dialogue. “We, as religious leaders, stand united against violence,” he said. “Our calling is to heal, not to divide — to build bridges, not walls.” He concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria’s struggle is not a clash of religions but a collective fight against terror and insecurity. “The battle is not Christians versus Muslims; it is Nigerians versus terror,” he declared. “Our nation’s strength lies in our shared humanity, faith, and hope for a peaceful future.” Bishop Adegbite urged the media, international observers, and advocacy groups to rely on verified facts and support initiatives that promote healing, justice, and national reconciliation.