Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged the advertising and integrated marketing communications industry to educate Nigerians about the many economic opportunities that are blossoming around them.
Idris said this on Thursday at the National Advertising Conference (ARCON) in Abuja, adding that the public should be informed of the government’s attempts to improve their lives.
The theme of the conference is “Marketing Communication as an Enabler of National Transformation.”
The minister was represented by Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
While stressing government efforts and reforms aimed at improving residents’ lives, Idris stated that if people are not aware of the programmes, they will be unable to profit from them.
He mentioned the latest Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and palliative programmes, which provide grants and low-interest loans to traders, artists, transporters, vendors, and creatives.
“Now we need you to bring that influence to bear on helping to sensitise Nigerians to the activities the Federal and State Governments are executing to make life better for Nigerians.
“We need your creative solutions and approaches, and we need your unparalleled network; we need your platforms. This is not about propaganda or noise-making.
“If the people and businesses meant to benefit from the loans, grants, and cash transfers are unaware, how will they benefit?” he said.
