The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that there will be no elaborate celebration to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

Instead, low-key activities will be organised for the anniversary.

Speaking during a World Press conference on Wednesday to kick off “Ministerial Sectoral Updates” as part of the commemorative activities, Idris explained that the decision for minimal festivities was influenced by the nation’s current mood.

Idris emphasised that there would be no formal celebrations, with the focus being on sectoral briefings.

He underscored the importance of conserving government funds for the benefit of the people.

“There won’t be any form of celebrations; there will be sectoral briefings.”

“The essence is to ensure that government funds are kept for the people,” the minister said.

While acknowledging the critical role of the media as stakeholders in the Nigerian project, Idris urged journalists to report responsibly and patriotically.

He reminded them of the responsibilities that come with press freedom and highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to media freedom.

The minister also called for collaboration between the government and the media in combating fake news, which he described as more detrimental to the nation than cancer.

Regarding the timing of the event, it remains uncertain whether the ceremony will take place on June 12, the officially recognised Democracy Day.

Nigeria’s Democracy Day was previously celebrated on May 29 until President Buhari changed it to June 12 to honour the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military government. (Nigerian Tribune)

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