Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture for the Federal Government, condemned the unrestrained use of social media and other digital platforms around the world on Monday.
During the welcome session of the global media and information literacy week organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the minister noted the need for individuals to be adequately equipped with enough knowledge to manage the information at their disposal.
Mohammed said, “The theme of this year’s Global MIL week, which is ‘Nurturing Trust: A Media and Information Literacy Imperative’ is not only apt but also timely as our world and its leaders contend with the challenge of identifying what is true and what is false, in view of the use of media and information.
“As I ponder on the state of our world and the enormous challenge it faces, especially with the unregulated use of social media and other digital platforms, I see the urgent need for every person to be equipped with the ability to critically evaluate and wisely use information at their disposal.”
Speaking further, Mohammed said, “I am optimistic that, starting from the parallel sessions which commence immediately to the last plenary session on Friday morning, contributions and questions will all be geared towards finding the linkages to building trust among our societies and individuals through the use of media and information literacy.
“As I urge you all to give this your best attention, knowing that the world awaits the outcome of this global MIL week, I warmly welcome you, once again, to Nigeria. I encourage you all to discover Abuja and enjoy your stay”.
