Abuja, Jan. 16, 2025 (NAN) A former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Adamawa, Ahmad Sajoh, on Thursday, expressed support for the clamour for proper funding of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation by the National Assembly.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sajoh, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said adequate funding of the ministry and its agencies had become imperative, as the stability of the country was dependent on a socially-active citizenry.
NAN reports that the Senate and House of Representatives had, during the budget defence by ministries, departments and agencies, rejected the ministry’s N8.9 billion proposal in the 2025 Appropriate Bill, describing it as too meager and grossly inadequate.
Sajoh said that the observations and recommendations by members of the national assembly were apt at this critical time and in line with national interest.
“It is indeed imperative that the ministry needs to be adequately funded because the stability of the country is dependent on a socially-active citizenry.
“This can only be achieved with effective mobilisation and information sharing. That’s the role of the ministry of information and national orientation.
“For example in our fight to restore security in Nigeria, we need both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to the fight.
“While the Ministry of Defence leads the kinetic approach, it is the ministry of information and national orientation that should lead the non-kinetic approach.
“In essence, the ministry is as important as that of defence that took the lion share in the budget. In addition, modern communication gadgets are as expensive as modern warfare gadgets,” he said.
The former commissioner lauded the lawmakers, particularly those from the opposition parties, for putting national interest first in addressing the issue.
“First of all, it is an indication that when matters of national interest are at the core of a situation, our political leaders can rise above partisan inclinations and treat such matters as patriots.
“I commend Sens. Ningi, Natasha and Katung for this. By extension, I also commend the senate as a whole for demonstrating that it is indeed a chamber where Nigeria’s interest is uppermost.
“However, the most important commendation goes to the Minister, Mohammed Idris, for the way and manner he has won the trust of Nigerians to the level that even National Assembly members from opposition parties agree that he is rebuilding trust,” he said.
While noting the core issues raised by the senators regarding the under-funding of the ministry and its agencies over the years, Sajoh lauded the resilience they had exhibited in making impacts with the meager resources at their disposal.
“It is indeed a miracle that successes are recorded with such meagre allocation to such a big ministry with a huge role in constructing a stable country.
“The agencies under the ministry have improved their performances beyond imagination despite the paucity of resources.
“The News Agency of Nigeria today competes favourably with similar agencies all over the world. NTA, FRCN and VON are equal in stature with most broadcast networks in the country and beyond.
“The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has also established a number of online portals that are providing one-stop shops for understanding government policies and programmes,” he said.
