Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger collaboration among media outlets to combat the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. This appeal was made during the special release ceremony of the global solicitation results themed “Written in the Sky: My China Story,” organized by the China Media Group (CMG) in Abuja.
The event, which celebrated cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China, saw participation from high-profile figures, including Hon Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. Journalists, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community also attended.
Representing Minister Idris, Suleima Haruna, Director of Public Relations and Protocols, highlighted the media’s responsibility in fostering societal progress and promoting understanding. He commended CMG for its commitment to delivering credible news, stressing the importance of balanced reporting that reflects national achievements and fuels future growth.
Idris warned of the challenges posed by technological advancements, particularly the rapid spread of misinformation, and called for a united front in addressing these issues. He underscored the significance of media partnerships, particularly between Nigerian and Chinese outlets, in countering false narratives and promoting informed discourse.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria, formalized at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. He emphasized that this partnership would strengthen media collaboration, alongside other sectors like trade and connectivity, to improve the well-being of both nations.
