The minister of youth development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged journalists to offer compelling, positive alternative reports that could help resonate the image of the ministry.
The minister made this call Monday in his office when he had an interactive session with journalists covering his ministry.
He said: “The media holds an immense power to influence minds, shape narratives, and promote peace. The media can either undermine or bolster our collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies.”
According to the minister, “through your reports, images, and commentaries, you have the unique ability to educate, inform, and inspire resilience among the public.
“You must offer compelling, positive alternatives that resonate with the ministry to implement its programmes effectively. Your reporting plays a pivotal role in this endeavour.”
The minister urged the media to not yield their platforms to provide publicity for act of bringing bad image to the ministry and Nigeria at large.
He said the policy trust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains to uphold the freedom of the press and create a conducive environment for the media to thrive.
Olawande added that the door of the ministry is always open for questions and dialogue and appealed for cooperation and action to enable the ministry achieve its mandate.
The minister explained the ministry’s plan to revive most of the redundant agencies under it, assuring to change the narrative for the better.