Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has emphasised that press freedom is the cornerstone of any democratic society, highlighting the progress Nigeria has made in that regard.

Delivering a goodwill message at the 3rd African Media Convention, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, he highlighted the importance of a free and independent media in informing and empowering citizens, and holding those in power accountable.

The event gathered prominent figures including the President of the Republic of Ghana, high-ranking government officials, representatives from UNESCO and the African Union, international partners, and esteemed members of the media.

Minister Idris expressed his profound respect and pleasure in addressing the convention, which convened under the theme 'Enhancing freedom, innovation, and environmental sustainability in a dynamic media landscape'. He commended the dedication of all participants to these crucial issues.

"The media, often referred to as the fourth estate, plays an indispensable role in shaping our societies," he stated. "In the current dynamic media landscape, the principles of freedom, innovation, and sustainability are more important than ever."

He called for the protection of journalists’ rights and the upholding of the integrity of their work, stressing that these are essential in fostering a transparent and just society.

He noted that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has prioritised media freedom. "We have made significant strides in ensuring a free and vibrant press, which is essential for an informed citizenry and a robust democratic process," he said.

On the subject of innovation, Minister Idris pointed out the rapid advancements in technology and their impact on the media sector.

He encouraged the adoption of new technologies and innovative practices to enhance storytelling and broaden audience engagement. "We must invest in digital literacy, support creative ventures, and encourage the development of new media platforms that reflect the diverse voices and stories of Africa," he urged.

He also highlighted Nigeria's efforts in leveraging innovation to transform its media landscape, including the recent directive for the Nigerian Bank of Industry to provide supportive loans to media entrepreneurs at a single-digit interest rate.

Turning to environmental sustainability, Minister Idris underscored the media's role in raising awareness and driving action on environmental issues. "Our commitment to environmental sustainability will ensure that we protect our planet for future generations while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change," he declared.

He mentioned Nigeria's initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, with the media playing a pivotal role in educating the public and advocating for greener practices.

As the convention continued, Minister Idris encouraged robust discussions, the sharing of innovative ideas, and the forging of partnerships to propel the media landscape forward.

He closed his address with gratitude to the organizers, the Ghana Journalists Association, Ghana’s Ministry of Information, UNESCO, the African Union, and all contributors to the event's success.

"May our collective efforts yield fruitful outcomes that will benefit not only the media industry but also the broader African community," he concluded.