The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on communication professionals to adopt truth-based public relations as a strategic tool to combat the false narrative of a so-called “Christian genocide” being circulated internationally against Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday at the National Unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026, held at the NAF Conference Centre, the Minister warned that Nigeria is facing serious reputational threats from foreign actors seeking to distort facts and undermine national unity.
“We must come to terms with existential reputational threats to our national brand, in which external purveyors of untruth are mischaracterizing our nation as a destination for the persecution of people based on religion. This propaganda is woven by those who wish to weaken our unity,” Idris said.
He emphasized that the claim of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria is entirely false and must be confronted with coordinated, fact-based communication anchored on professional ethics and integrity.
Idris stressed that responsible communication has become a national duty in today’s digital era, where misinformation travels faster than truth.
The Minister linked this communication responsibility to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said seeks to rebuild public trust through openness, transparency, and shared purpose.
As host of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) 2026, Idris said Nigeria is positioning itself as a global leader in ethical communication.
The Minister commended the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), led by Professor Justin Green, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), under Dr. Ike Neliaku, for bringing global attention to Nigeria through the hosting rights of the WPRF 2026.
He also recalled President Tinubu’s assurance to the international community that “You have no better friend and partner than Nigeria.”
In a passionate call to action, the Minister urged all communicators, journalists, and public officers to embrace truth and integrity in their work.
“Let this unveiling be a call to conscience. To practitioners: hold the line of truth. To the me