Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has given kudos to security forces for keeping the country safe especially Federal Capital Territory during the hosting of UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2022, despites a week of perifying terror alerts.
The Minister gave the testament to the Forces for making the event a successful one in Abuja on Friday at the closing session of the UNESCO MIL Week and also the adoption of Abuja Declaration on Global Financing for Media and Information Literacy.
Recalled that the United States Embassy issued advisory alert recently to American citizens over possible terror attacks in Nigeria, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja which led to disruption of the nation’s peace, security and stability.
According to the Minister, “The huge success of the 2022 Global MIL Week in Abuja, coupled with the first hand experience of our guests from all over the world, is a clear testimony to the organizational ability and warmth of our people.
“The successful hosting of an international event, in a week marked by petrifying terror alerts, is also a testament to the great efforts of our security forces in keeping residents of our capital city, and indeed our country, safe, despite the antics of terrorists who are continually plotting to destabilise our nation’s peace and security”, he said.
Alhaji Mohammed stated further that the collective conviction of speakers and contributors at the various sessions of the MIL week, which is that the development of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a panacea for the fight against all forms of disinformation and the building of trust.
“It is also very clear that the trust question, which this year’s Global MIL Week dealt with, is indeed of global concern.
“Given the frightening dimension of the impact of the surge of disinformation across the globe on the relationships between the government and the governed, institutions, communities, religious organizations, etc., there is the need to forge a common front to confront this menace by advancing a global funding to deal with the issue of disinformation,” he said.
The Minister said Nigeria is committed to pursuing, supporting and promoting the right Media and Information Literacy policies and programmes that will enhance the development of the capacities of citizens, particularly the youth, in the effective use of Media and Information Literacy.
Alhaji Lai voiced the commitment of Nigeria to work with UNESCO to establish a UNESCO International MIL institute in Nigeria, adding that NIgeria is looking forward to receiving the necessary assistance in this regard.
He urged development partners, multilateral organizations and all countries to commit to supporting and funding the initiative, which will ultimately make the world a safer and more peaceful place to live.
Congratulating participants for a successful conference and wishing everyone a successful journey back to their destinations, the Minister said, “To all our guests, I hope you have truly enjoyed yourselves in Abuja and that you are going away with sweet memories of the hospitality and the friendliness of our people”.
Alhaji Mohammed hinted on the Gala night which he described as a remarkable one. “I was at the gala night a few metres from here yesterday, and I was delighted and enthralled by the sheer joy and the impressive dance steps of our guests, as our National Troupe put up a superlative performance.
It was a fitting climax to a great and successful MIL Week, and I wish to commend everyone who has contributed immensely to this successful Week,” he said.
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