The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for convening the inaugural edition of the Voice of Nigeria Forum, described it as a strategic and timely initiative to deepen citizen engagement and strengthen national security.
The forum, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security,” held in Abuja on Tuesday, brought together policymakers, security experts, civil society actors, and media stakeholders to deliberate on the intersection between people-centered governance and sustainable national peace.
In his keynote address, Minister Idris noted that the event mark a major milestone in the country’s collective quest to build a more peaceful, secure, and united Nigeria.
“Today, we stand at the confluence of purpose and possibility. This high-level forum is more than a policy conversation it is a call to action,” he said.
Describing VON as more than a broadcaster, the Minister praised the organization’s commitment to shaping narratives and building national identity. He said VON’s dual role in localizing global content and projecting Nigerian values globally was essential in an age of disinformation and digital fragmentation.
“In the repositioning of Nigeria’s public news institutions, it is no longer just about transmission it is about transformation, supported by technology,” Idris stated. “Whether in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or English, from Berlin to Benin City to Birnin Kebbi, the voice of Nigeria must be heard, respected, and trusted.”
He emphasized that national security must be people-driven, noted that peace and stability can only be sustained when citizens are fully engaged and involved.
“When national security is breached, it is people who are affected and when it is assured, it is people who benefit. Therefore, every effort toward national security must prioritize citizen involvement,” he added.
The Minister urged both government and citizens to foster two-way communication, stressing that governance must shift from speaking at the people to speaking with them. He called for broader citizen participation in government programs and increased attention to national policies and reforms.
Highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu administration over the past two years, Idris cited key interventions such as the removal of fuel subsidy, forex reforms, infrastructure development, the student loan scheme, the Consumer Credit Corporation, and the establishment of regional development commissions and the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
“After a stormy start, food prices are falling, insecurity is being tackled head-on, and governance is now reaching the grassroots in unprecedented ways,” he said.
In conclusion, Minister Idris applauded the leadership of VON and all partners involved in organizing the forum. He encouraged all stakeholders to leave the forum not just with ideas, but with renewed commitment to transparency, equity, and compassion.
“Together, we will build a stronger, safer, and more united Nigeria,” he concluded.
