Danjamu Amodu | January 30, 2026
The Federal Government has called on information officers to adhere to principles of networking, coordination, relationship, and effective communication to deliver on their mandate and propagate the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call at a stakeholders meeting for Resident Information Officers (RIOs) on grade level 14 – 17 in Abuja.
“You have to understand that you are working as a minister in a way; in your own corner, but for you to also do it very well, you have to know that you must do it with a value of honesty. You must earn that trust,” he said.
Idris stressed that RIOs must win the trust of the public, adding, “There is no way you can be trusted if you are not also honest with the way you communicate.” He warned against being an opposition in the government they serve, urging them to communicate policies effectively.
Sharing his experience, Idris narrated how he handled the U.S. bombing of a terrorist hideout in Sokoto in December 2025.
“Sometimes it’s better to delay and get the accurate information than to rush and commit blunders,” he said. He said that he followed professional procedure and got what he wanted before he addressed the press.
“Don’t sit down there and say they didn’t tell you anything. Nobody will tell you anything; it is for you to go and find out. I had to engage everyone that I needed to engage with,” Idris said.
The Minister tasked RIOs to continue networking, coordinating, and building relationships.
“You must know that whoever is being appointed politically, whether it is SA media or Special Adviser or whatever, you have to work with him or her to ensure that there’s coordination.”
“There is a difference between a cup that is half empty and a cup that is half full. It is for you to choose the best way to whatever information that they have,” Idris said.
Former Commissioner for Information in Adamawa State, Dr Ahmed Sajoh, emphasized the need for constant training, saying, “You build trust by your own behaviour, humility, and character. You can make the people trust the government through your own character and behaviour.”
Sajoh stressed that information officers needed constant training to serve as a bridge between the people and government and to get feedback.
“Your bosses may come and go, but the nation remains. So, we must be loyal to our nation. It is our job to counter misinformation, disinformation and fake news,” he said.
Executive Director, Development SPECS Academy, Prof. Okey Okechukwu, noted that experience sharing was vital in enhancing effective communication. SSA to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, advised RIOs to familiarize themselves with the Renewed Hope Agenda and communicate effectively.
RIOs play a crucial role in disseminating information about government policies and programs.
The meeting was attended by top officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr Ogbodo Nnam.
The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr Ogbodo Nnam, and other top officials.
