FG to advertisers: Open eyes of citizens to opportunities around them

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says advertisers should open the eyes of Nigerians to the emerging economic opportunities around them.

Idris spoke on Thursday at the 3rd National Advertising Conference in the federal capital territory (FCT).

Represented by Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the minister said the federal government does not want propaganda but an enlightenment of citizens.

“I started by highlighting how influential you are in shaping hearts and minds. Now we need you to bring that influence to bear on helping sensitize Nigerians as to the many things that the federal and state governments are doing to make life better for all,” he said.

“We need your creative solutions and approaches, we need your unparalleled network, we need your platforms.

“This is not about propaganda or noise-making, no! Instead, it is about enlightenment, sensitization, about opening the eyes of Nigerians to see the various economic opportunities emerging around them.

“If the people and businesses who are meant to benefit from the loans and grants and cash transfers are not aware, how will they benefit? How can we mobilize Nigerians in an inspiring and hopeful fashion, how can we awaken people to their rights and responsibilities as citizens of Nigeria?

“You as marketing communications professionals have credible answers to these questions, and are thus well positioned to serve as catalysts of Nigeria’s social and economic transformation.”

Idris said President Bola Tinubu is determined to be an agent of transformation

“A president who seizes every opportunity to share his vision to, I quote, ‘build a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians’,” he added.

“A president who is always quick to remind the world that he does not require sympathy or pity for the task ahead, and who does not shy away from taking responsibility for the hard but necessary decisions required to pave the path to a transformed Nigeria.”

The minister said advertisers should take the message of “hope, sacrifice, opportunity and patience to every nook and cranny of the country”.