The Federal government says its position on the regulation of the social media is in furtherance of national interest and in line with global best practices.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed stated this at the 2021 edition of the Annual Roundtable on Cultural Orientation (ARTCO) organised by the the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Ilorin.
He said the phenomenon of fake news and hate speeches which has dominated the social media space is detrimental to the peace, security and national cohesion.
According to him, no responsible government will allow enemies of Nigeria use media as a tool to destabilize the nation.
Alhaji Lai Muhammed appealed to the media to shun sensational reporting and eschew fake news.
The Minister explained that the neglect of culture and the breakdown in virtues have contributed largely to the challenges bedevilling Nigeria.
He noted that urgent and concerted efforts are required for cultural reconstruction and reawakening to achieve the much-desired socio political and economic progress.
The Information Minister reassured that President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to ensure enabling environment for a robust media practice in Nigeria.
Earlier in his address , the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mr. Ado Mohammed Yahuza, said that the 2021 theme was selected to reemphasize the significance of culture and the media to socio-political and economic development of the nation.
He noted that the nation present challenges can be surmounted through a culture rebirth programme with the media playing a leading role.
Ali Rabiu Mohammed