Tinubu committed to promoting national cohesion – Minister

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said, President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated profound commitment to promoting national cohesion through inclusive governance where each and every segment of the Nigerian society is represented in his government in line with the Federal Character Principle.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by
Special Assistant to the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim.
Idris made the remarks in Abuja yesterday in a paper titled; “Promoting National Cohesion Through Strategic Communication,” delivered at the maiden National Security Course for Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu said, addressing the challenges to national cohesion in Nigeria requires comprehensive strategies, including the implementation of policies that promote inclusivity, equitable representation, and social cohesion.
He emphasized shared national values, promotion of dialogue, and acknowledgement and respect for the nation’s diversity as crucial steps toward building and maintaining national cohesion in Nigeria.
“Let me hasten to state here that in his profound commitment to national cohesion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) swore to uphold the constitution. He is dutifully implementing its provisions to ensure that no part of this country feels alienated. This is amply demonstrated in his appointments across Ministries, Department and Agencies. His vision is rooted in promoting unity, understanding and inclusive governance across the country. President Tinubu’s government is not going to operate in an echo chamber!” he said.
The Minister identified historical prejudices such as the civil war between 1967 and 1970, the amalgamation of the Northern and the Southern Protectorates by Sir Lord Lugard in 1914, religious differences, ethnic diversity among others, as some of the fault lines being exploited by some interest groups to polarize the country.
He said the media have a unique and critical role to play in promoting national cohesion by toning down divisive rhetoric and weaving national narratives that further strengthen the bond of unity among the diverse cultures and religions in Nigeria.