Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has emphasized that no administration in Nigeria’s democratic history recorded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sweeping reforms and achievements within two years.
Idris made the emphasis at the inaugural National Dialogue on Citizen Engagement and National Security, with theme: “One Voice, One Vision: Uniting Perspectives for a Stronger Nigeria”, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
He stated that the achievements of the Tinubu administration in just two years stand as irrefutable evidence of visionary and courageous leadership.
“The forex racket, and then massive road infrastructure, unprecedented students’ loans scheme, and the CreditCorp, indeed, policies that are re-stimulating confidence in our young population”, the Minister added.
Idris who said the event has come at a time when Nigeria is “at the confluence of purpose and possibility, stressed that the forum, initiated by the Voice of Nigeria (VON), is not merely a policy talkshop but a deliberate platform to harmonize policy perspectives with the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement released by his aide, the Minister further noted that the Tinubu administration’s policies are beginning to yield tangible outcomes.
“After a stormy start, food prices are falling, even as we are stemming the tide of insecurity, while impact of governance, for the first time in decades, is making a new headway through the local government autonomy.
He added that “with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the voices are audibly uniting in further support of a man of vision and courage.”
Underscoring the core objective of the national dialogue, the Minister described national unity and citizen trust as the foundations of national security.
“There can be no national security without national unity. And there can be no unity without trust. In times of uncertainty and insecurity, our greatest weapon is not force. It is trust between the governed and those who govern,” he stated.
The Minister also praised the Voice of Nigeria for its renewed mandate and evolving role as more than a broadcaster.
“VON is not just broadcasting news, but shaping narratives and forging national identity… ensuring that, whether it is in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or English, whether in Berlin or Birnin Kebbi, the voice of Nigeria is heard, respected, and trusted echoing authoritatively from within a united people and secured territory,” he said,
Calling for genuine synergy among all national stakeholders, Idris said: “This forum reflects that vision. It brings together government, media, civil society, and the security community, not in silos, but in synergy. Not to talk at each other, but to listen to each other.”
The Minister emphasized that Nigerians do not require uniformity to achieve unity; rather, they can embrace their diverse identities while remaining united in purpose.
“Let us leave with commitment. A renewed commitment to truth in our media, institutions, to equity in our policies, to transparency in our governance, and to compassion in our communities,” he said.
The event was attended by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshe Yilwatda, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Shehu Mohammed.
Also, the Director General of the National Press Council, Dr Dili Ezugha, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku.
Others were the former Chief of Army Staff, General Yusuf Tukur Buratai and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr Ogbodo Chinasa, Nnam, amongst others.