Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has pledged the media’s support for the forthcoming National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) summit on the orange economy in the country. Idris made this commitment when members of the National Executive Course 48 of NIPSS, led by the Institute’s Director-General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, paid him a courtesy visit.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the orange economy, also known as the creative economy, refers to economic activities driven largely by creativity, culture, innovation, and intellectual property. The minister described the initiative as timely, stating that it would contribute to the development of entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in the country. He assured that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation would engage relevant government agencies to support participants in achieving the summit’s objectives.
The minister addressed concerns about the projected cost of media publicity, emphasizing that the N250 million media support estimate mentioned by the organizers should not be a deterrent. He assured that the ministry would pursue broader government support for the initiative and ensure the summit receives adequate publicity and national visibility.
Idris highlighted the importance of a two-way communication process between the government and the people, stressing the ministry’s commitment to conveying government policies with respect and patriotism. He noted that President Bola Tinubu values feedback and regularly seeks to understand public opinion on government policies and programs, which is vital for effective leadership.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation, described by Idris as the parent ministry responsible for coordinating public information institutions, will continue to serve as a bridge between the government and citizens. Idris cited the Nigerian Television Authority, News Agency of Nigeria, and Voice of Nigeria among the institutions under the ministry’s purview.
The minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), particularly in funding, but reassured the delegation that efforts were underway to address these issues. He emphasized the role of NOA in providing the government with information about citizens’ views, drawing insights from various demographics across the country.
Prof. Ayo Omotayo, during the meeting, expressed the need for the ministry’s support and partnership to ensure the success of the national summit. He disclosed that media organizations had presented an estimated bill of about N250 million for publicity and media-related support, but was optimistic that the minister’s intervention would alleviate the financial burden.
Omotayo explained that the National Executive Course is tasked with researching themes critical to national development, with Course 48 focusing on the entrepreneurial dimensions of Nigeria’s orange economy. The forthcoming national summit and exhibition will serve as a platform to present their findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture, and representatives from Bruit Costaud, NIPSS, and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.