The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphatically stated that the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration within its first two years are irrefutable evidence of visionary and courageous leadership. He made this assertion during the inaugural National Dialogue on Citizen Engagement and National Security, themed “One Voice, One Vision: Uniting Perspectives for a Stronger Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Tuesday. According to the Minister, this significant event, initiated by the Voice of Nigeria (VON), occurred at a time when Nigeria is “at the confluence of purpose and possibility,” serving not merely as a policy talk shop but as a deliberate platform to harmonize policy perspectives with the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians.

Minister Idris highlighted that the commemoration of the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration just last week provided ample proof of its monumental positive impact. He stressed that no preceding government in Nigeria’s democratic history has recorded such sweeping reforms and achievements within a comparable timeframe. “No preceding government has ever achieved what the Tinubu administration has achieved in two years,” Idris declared. He pointed to key milestones such as “the courage to vanquish the monster of oil subsidy and the forex racket,” alongside massive investments in road infrastructure, the launch of an unprecedented student loan scheme, and the establishment of CreditCorp to support youth access to credit. These policies, he noted, are “re-stimulating confidence in our young population.”

The Minister further elaborated that these bold policies are beginning to yield tangible outcomes. “After a stormy start, food prices are falling, even as we are stemming the tide of insecurity,” he explained. Additionally, Idris cited that “the impact of governance, for the first time in decades, is making a new headway through the local government autonomy.” He also pointed to the creation of new ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and ministries focused on regional development, as evidence of a new direction in governance. Consequently, “voices across the nation are increasingly rallying behind President Tinubu – a man of vision and courage,” the Minister added.

Underscoring the foundational principles of national security, Minister Idris described national unity and citizen trust as paramount. “There can be no national security without national unity. And there can be no unity without trust. In times of uncertainty and insecurity, our greatest weapon is not force. It is trust between the governed and those who govern,” he stated. He emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda is grounded in citizen participation and engagement, ensuring that every Nigerian “must feel, be seen, heard, and valued.”

The Minister also lauded the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for its renewed mandate and evolving role, transforming beyond a mere broadcaster into a key actor in shaping narratives and forging national identity. “VON is not just broadcasting news, but shaping narratives and forging national identity… ensuring that, whether it is in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or English, whether in Berlin or Birnin Kebbi, the voice of Nigeria is heard, respected, and trusted, echoing authoritatively from within a united people and secured territory,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Minister Idris called for genuine synergy among all national stakeholders, including government, media, civil society, and the security community. He urged participants to “listen to each other,” rather than talk at each other, emphasizing that Nigeria’s strength lies not in uniformity but in unity of purpose achieved through embracing its diverse identities. “This dialogue is a symbol of that possibility as a platform where differences are not erased but embraced, as part of a collective solution,” he remarked. “I encourage us to leave here with more than ideas. Let us leave with commitment. A renewed commitment to truth in our media, institutions, to equity in our policies, to transparency in our governance, and to compassion in our communities.”

Dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshe Yilwatda; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Shehu Mohammed; Director-General of the National Press Council, Dr Dili Ezugha; and the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu. Also in attendance were the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku; former Chief of Army Staff, General Yusuf Tukur Buratai (rtd); and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam.