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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Chinese media outlets to join forces with Nigeria and other international partners in the fight against fake news and misinformation.
Idris made this appeal on Thursday, during the unveiling of a television documentary titled “Traverse China with Me” at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
The documentary is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Television Authority and the China Media Group.
Idris, in a statement released by the Deputy Director of Press, Suleiman Haruna, pointed out the essential role of media in guiding society, promoting mutual understanding, and contributing to significant development.
He stressed that the partnership between Nigerian and Chinese media through this documentary is aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations by enhancing cultural and language exchange.
“The collaboration will have a positive impact on social affairs, economic development, and cultural advancement,” the Minister stated, praising the efforts of both CMG and NTA in delivering accurate news and meaningful programming.
He also stressed the importance of balanced reporting, particularly in showcasing progress and achievements that inspire hope for future growth.
“The Minister indicated that the documentary, which aims to strengthen the relationship between Nigerian television stations and the Chinese media, is part of efforts to enhance the ties between the people of Nigeria and China through cultural and language exchange and modern communication channels available in both countries.
“The Minister commended the authorities of CMG and the NTA for their efforts in providing accurate news and meaningful programs for the advancement of both countries. He said the collaboration will positively impact social affairs, economic development, and cultural advancement.
“He restated the need for balance in news reporting, especially in highlighting progress and achievements and producing programs that inspire hope for future growth,” the statement read in part.
Idris pointed out that Nigeria’s youth population is vibrant and hardworking, striving to seize opportunities despite their challenges.
However, he noted that these challenges are often exacerbated by the spread of fake news and misinformation, undermining trust between the government and its citizens.
The Minister urged Chinese media outlets to collaborate with Nigerian and international counterparts to curb the negative trend of fake news.
He also called on CMG to expand its media presence in Nigeria by incorporating local languages such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, which would help convey messages more effectively and create employment and training opportunities for Nigerians.
“He called on Chinese media outlets to join Nigeria and collaborate with international counterparts to end the negative trend and ensure reliability and credibility in the spread of information.
“The Minister also called on CMG to expand its media presence in Nigeria by incorporating more languages including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin to convey messages and provide employment opportunities and training for Nigerians,” the statement added.
Speaking earlier, the Director for the Hausa Language at CMG, Kande Gao, highlighted the close relationship between China and Nigeria, noting that both nations share a common destiny.
Gao praised the collaborative efforts that led to the creation of “Traverse China with Me,” noting that the program has become particularly popular in Hausa-speaking areas of Nigeria.
