News
Nigeria Ready To Host UNESCO Media, Information Literacy Institute – Minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria is ready to host UNESCO Category two International Media Information and Literacy Institute to advance the frontiers of press freedom and democracy.
Idris stated this when a delegation of UNESCO Feasibility Team paid him a visit at the Ministry in Abuja, yesterday.
The Tide source reports that the team is in Nigeria to assess the National Open University of Nigeria’s (NOUN) facilities for the establishment of UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
Idris said the Federal Government had decided to make sure that every requirement that UNESCO had put in place for the final approval of the Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Center was put in place in Nigeria.
“Since Nigeria was given the provisional hosting right, we have been working very hard.
“We, sometime last year, reached out to the NOUN, made them to understand the relevance of this, not just to Nigeria, but also to Africa and to the world.
“The International Media and Information Literacy Institute is not just designed
for the people of Nigeria but actually for the people of the world.
“And this is an opportunity for our country to show, not just our expertise and professionalism, but also our commitment to media and information literacy globally.
“President Bola Tinubu has graciously,
not just only approved what the ministry in collaboration with the NOUN is doing, but also ensured that whatever support is required would be provided.
“As it is today, we have the right funding for the take off of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute category 2 in Nigeria. We have the resources in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education, NOUN and other stakeholders to ensure that this happens.
“Nigeria is ever ready to join the global community. We are ready to advance the frontiers of democracy through these collaborations and engagements, and we are also ready to play by the rules on the international scene to ensure Nigeria takes its rightful place and contributes to global progress and development,” Idris said.
The Minister appreciated NOUN for its commitment to ensuring that the centre becomes a reality, reiterating that Nigeria is
ready to go ahead and host the International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
According to him, the institute is the first of its kind , not just in the African continent, but the world, Andrew Nigeria is ready.
“We had support from seven Nations and about 20 countries have already indicated interest to support us. And we know that at the next sitting, we would be given the final hosting right of the institute in Abuja.”
On his part, the Project Manager, who is also the leader of the delegation, Mr Nelson Papi Kolliesuah, said his experience in the last 24 hours in the assessment process had been positive.
Kolliesuah, who was also accompanied by the Development and Partnership Officer, Mr Abubakar Sani Abdullahi, and other staff of NOUN, said his team was in Morocco last year for a similar initiative, to conduct a feasibility study.
“UNESCO did receive a proposal from the National Open University of Nigeria
to a destination to designate the International Media and Literacy Institute as a category two institute.
“That proposal was received and reviewed by UNESCO. We were designated to have an in-person feasibility study. So, the sole purpose of our visit is to ensure that what has been reflected in the proposal is actually the reality on ground.
“Our three-day mission here in Abuja is solely focused on visiting the university infrastructure, particularly the International Media and Literacy Institute, to see the available infrastructure if they meet the requirement needed to be designated as category two.
“We are also to interact with the staff there to know if they do have the capacity. We will also look at the aspect of governance as well.
“This is because, we want to ensure that any institution that is licensed as a category two institute has a well-structured governance that is fully effective to lead them towards the delivery of those objectives that were mentioned within the proposal,” Kolliesuah said.
He further explained that the delegation’s coming to the ministry was to interact with one or two staff members to know if their position on the institute aligned with national priority.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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