UNESCO’s Media, IMILI Marks The Beginning Of Transformative Journey, Says Information Minister

The Federal Government has described the launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) as the beginning of a transformative journey for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community in promoting responsible information use, strengthening democratic resilience, and combating misinformation.

Speaking at the close of the two-day official launch of IMILI held at the National Open University of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the establishment of the Institute marks a defining moment that positions Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to advance media and information literacy in the digital age.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, the Minister noted that the successful hosting of the Institute reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in promoting transparency, civic engagement, and inclusive national development.

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“This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa and the global community. IMILI is more than an institution; it is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact in media and information literacy,” the Minister stated.

Highlighting the Development Impact of the initiative, the Minister noted that deliberations during the two-day event, from goodwill messages to the presentation of IMILI’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030), have provided a clear and actionable roadmap for the Institute’s vision, operations, and long-term sustainability.

He emphasised that IMILI is designed as a global hub for research, capacity building, and policy dialogue, bringing together educators, journalists, policymakers, and young leaders to strengthen critical thinking and responsible engagement within the information ecosystem. “The conversations we have had over the past two days have laid a solid foundation for sustained action. What is required now is commitment; commitment to partnerships, to implementation, and to measurable progress that will benefit not just Nigeria, but the global community,” he added.

Reinforcing the Unity and Partnership Angle, the Minister stressed that discussions at the event underscored the importance of a whole-of-society approach involving government, the private sector, academia, media, civil society, and international partners, including UNESCO.

According to him, such collaboration is essential to effectively tackle the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and declining trust in institutions, which have far-reaching implications for governance, peace, and social cohesion.

Speaking on the global relevance of the initiative, the Minister reiterated that media and information literacy is no longer optional but critical in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and the constant flow of information. “The ability to think critically, verify information, and engage responsibly is fundamental to building resilient societies and safeguarding democratic institutions,” he added.

“At a time when information can both unite and divide, IMILI provides the tools to ensure that knowledge empowers rather than misleads. This is central to building trust, strengthening democracy, and securing a more stable and informed future,” the Minister further stated.

IMILI Marks The Beginning Of Transformative Journey

Describing Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Institute dedicated to Media and Information Literacy as both a moment of national pride and a call to global responsibility, the Minister urged stakeholders to lead by example in promoting truth, accountability, and ethical communication.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, he assured that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to work closely with UNESCO, development partners, academic institutions, and the media to ensure that IMILI delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes.

The Minister further called on stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated at the launch by translating ideas into concrete actions, strengthening partnerships, and fostering a culture where information empowers citizens, strengthens unity, and drives sustainable development.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the communications sector, including the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, who represented the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma; Director Public Communications, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; Director of IMILI, Dr. Sharon Omotosho; and President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, among other distinguished dignitaries.

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Olukoyede Tells Fintechs: Guide Your Platforms Against Fraudsters

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has tasked Financial Technology Companies across the country to be vigilant and insulate their networks from manipulative antics of fraudsters.

He gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday, April 30, 2026 while addressing chief executive officers, CEOs of Fintechs at an industry engagement meeting held at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.

The EFCC’s boss, while applauding the corporate executives on their strides in opening global financial space and visual asset platforms for the entire country through measurable inclusion and innovation, cautioned them against fraudsters who are exploiting the same space to perpetrate criminal activities.

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‘The opportunities you have created have also given the criminals the opportunity to perpetrate crimes and over the years, we discovered that there is a need for us to meet from time to time even in the interest of your business. We will also tell you the things that we are privy to in respect of your operations and services that we think the criminals are actually exploiting and how to block those spaces and strengthen the regulatory regime around the business you do”, he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and the Fintechs for a sound working relationship and intelligence sharing. He enjoined the business executives to jealously guard the integrity and reputation of their businesses, stressing that good reputation easily grows businesses.

“It has taken some of you years to get to where you are and I tell you, one transaction mishandled can destroy what you have built for ten years, you must be conscious of your reputation, that is the most valuable thing you need to grow in a business, not even the money. Once a reputation is damaged, you can hardly get it back. We want to collaborate with you, work with you and that is one of the ways to fulfil our own mandate”, he said.

He further stated that every business player in the country should always work in synergy with others in order to strengthen the regulatory regime and build strength against threats to the economy like insecurity. He particularly cautioned Fintechs to firm up their networks against terrorism financing by complying with extant regulations regarding suspicious transaction reporting.

“We have been complaining about insecurity in Nigeria, of course we are also vested with the power to investigate terrorism financing and one of the areas we have seen that these people exploit is your space, we think it is high time we did something about that.

Ola Olukoyede

People pay ransom and we discover that most times they collect the ransom through the POS, so what can we do to tidy up this loose end, whether by virtue of doing your KYC or coming up with other ideas?”, he said.

Discussions were held on a wide-range of operational and regulatory issues, all geared towards sanitizing the working environment of Fintechs and building sterling strength against compromises and fraudulent engagements.

NAF Advances Airfield Safety Capability With Graduation Of Runway Managers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence with the graduation of a new cadre of airfield management specialists at the Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC).

The milestone event, held on Friday 24 April 2026, saw 10 participants complete Airfield Management Course 3/2026, reinforcing ongoing efforts to align NAF airside operations with global best practices, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Reporting Format. This progress is in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which prioritizes operational safety, professionalism, and mission-oriented capacity development as critical enablers of national security.

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The four-week intensive programme equipped participants from the Air Traffic Services and Works specialties with advanced competencies in runway inspection, Pavement Condition Code assessment, Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment operations, Foreign Object Debris control, wildlife hazard management, and coordinated emergency response planning.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commandant ATSTC, Air Vice Marshal NB Folaji, charged the graduates to uphold the highest safety standards, emphasizing that “runway safety is not negotiable… every decision you make on the airfield directly affects aircraft performance and passenger lives.”

The rigorous blend of theoretical instruction and live operational simulations has positioned the graduates to deliver precise, real-time airfield condition reporting critical to safe flight operations.

NAF

Delivering remarks on behalf of the participants, Course Senior, Squadron Leader BY Bitiyong, described the training as transformative, noting that practical exercises such as Runway Condition Report generation and Pavement Condition Code adjustments based on pilot feedback have significantly enhanced operational confidence. He added that the study visit to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport provided valuable exposure to national airfield management standards.

The graduation ceremony, attended by senior officers and resource personnel, highlights the NAF’s strategic investment in human capacity development as a force multiplier in strengthening aviation safety, protecting critical infrastructure, and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic stability through safe and efficient air operations.