By Danjuma Amodu
Today, May 2, 2026, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, turns 60.
But inside Radio House, staff are not just sharing cake. They are pointing at ceilings that no longer leak, desks that are no longer broken, and a National Press Centre under full remodel.
“His birthday gift to us came early,” said a senior Director at the ministry. “He gave us back our dignity before his own day.”
When Idris was sworn in on August 21, 2023, Radio House — home to the Ministry of Information and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN — was a symbol of neglect. His predecessor had abandoned it. Rooms were dark. Files sat in water. Staff worked from annexes under difficult conditions, even as the ministry migrated to full digitisation.
Registry and records staff like Mr. Gbenga searched for files with phone flashlights and waited for PHCN to restore power before scanning documents for upload.
Within months of his appointment, the Minister went to work and transformed Radio House. He swiftly moved his office back into the building. Then came contractors, fresh paint, state-of-the-art furniture, and restored power and water. Today, he is remodeling the National Press Centre and other buildings on the premises in what workers call “Operation Restore Dignity.”
“Staff welfare and motivation are part of his creed,” said Ibrahim Haruna, Director of Information and Public Relations. “He believes you cannot preach Renewed Hope from a broken house.”
FROM CLASSROOM TO NEWSROOM TO CABINET
Born May 2, 1966, in Gbako LGA, Niger State, Idris earned a B.A. in English from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, 1987, and an M.A. in English from Bayero University, Kano, 1995.
He taught at the Federal College of Education, Katsina, 1989–1994, before founding Bifocal Communications Ltd in 1996. In May 2011, he launched Blueprint Newspapers, publishing in English and Hausa as Manhaja. He acquired WE 106.5 FM Abuja in 2019 and rose to General Secretary of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NPAN.
For that body of work, the Nigeria Union of Journalists presented him the Milestone Recognition Media Icons in Nigeria award on December 8, 2022, citing his “assiduous work in promoting press freedom.” The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, turbaned him Kakaaki Nupe for philanthropy and media excellence.
THE COMMUNICATOR NIGERIA NEEDED
After contesting the 2023 Niger State APC governorship primary, Idris became Director of Strategic Communications for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu named him Minister of Information and National Orientation with one instruction: “Don’t lie to the people. Tell the truth at all times.”
BIRTHDAY GIFT TO THE WORLD: UNESCO IN ABUJA
Idris marks his 60th year with a global legacy. On November 5, 2025, at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Nigeria secured rights to host the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in our nation,” Idris told delegates. The institute, sited at the National Open University of Nigeria, will be a “global hub for research, training, and capacity-building in media literacy, responsible communication, and the fight against misinformation.”
President Tinubu approved funding immediately: “Whatever it would take, I must make sure that the UNESCO Category 2 Media Information Literacy Institute is set up – the first Category 2 Institute for the entire world, here in Nigeria.” It opens in February 2026.
HONOURS AT 60
In December 2025, BusinessDay conferred on him the 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award for “redefining Nigeria’s national communication architecture to promote transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centered governance.” He also received the Vanguard Image Maker Award 2026.
THE HUMAN TOUCH
Through the Mohammed Idris Malagi, MIM, Foundation, he has built classrooms, funded health outreaches, and supported agriculture in Niger State.
As Board Chairman of Abuja Property Development Company, 2017–2022, staff credited him with “unprecedented progress.”
During his 2023 governorship run, he donated 31 buses and ₦43 million to the Niger APC, earning praise as an “apostle of politics without bitterness.”
WHAT THEY SAY AT 60
A vote of confidence came from President Tinubu in his birthday tribute today: “He has brought finesse, credibility, and gravitas to public communication. He is a role model of patriotism and diligence.”
Chief Chris Isiguzo, NUJ President, said during a conferment of an award: “The award was given in recognition of his assiduous work in promoting journalism… he has worked to promote press freedom, a key driver of democracy.”
A Deputy Director at FRCN: “Before him, Radio House was a metaphor for government neglect. He turned it into a workplace. If you can do that in months, maybe you can do it for Nigeria.”
Comrade Alex Umoru, a labour leader: “You cannot expect efficiency from a hungry workforce. Fix the newsroom, fix the narrative. That’s what he understands and he is doing that.”
Edeh Miracle, IPPIS Desk Officer, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in his birthday message eulogized the Minister, stating:
“Work was slow without the right tools or a %conducive office. Now, with the Minister’s presence and a renovated Radio House, we work faster. At 60, the Kakaaki Nupe has given us the tools to serve better. Happy birthday to our respected boss. Wishing you long life, good health, and prosperity, sir.”
Sampson Ikemitang, Chief Protocol to the Minister, wrote in his tribute:
“Happy birthday to the Honourable Minister, Mohammed Idris. I celebrate your dedication, leadership, and commitment to transparency and effective communication. Your efforts continue to strengthen public trust and foster national unity. May this new year bring you good health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments. Wishing you continued success, sir.”
Judith, a staff member, also expressed her wishes, saying:
“Happy birthday, sir. Thank you immensely for all you do for us and the Nigerian community. We are so proud of you. May the Almighty God honour your new age. You are loved and appreciated, sir.”
THE ROAD FROM 60
Unswayed by the encomiums, Idris insists he will return to media:
“When I am done as minister, I will be returning to the media space, which is my home. I therefore have a responsibility to make it better.”
For now, at 60, the publisher-turned-minister is writing Nigeria’s most ambitious communication chapter yet — one where credibility starts with a renovated office in Abuja, and global leadership starts with truth.
As staff flood WhatsApp groups with birthday wishes for their minister, by Monday at Radio House the birthday cake will sit beside new furniture. The symbolism will not be lost on them.
“He didn’t just fix the building,” said one cleaner. “He fixed our hope.”
Happy 60th Birthday, Kakaaki Nupe.
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Danjuma is a Publisher and Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja. He writes on governance, politics, digital infrastructure, and public policy.
