The Quarterly Strategy Meeting of Commissioners of Information of APC governed states has opened in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

Organized by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the meeting has in attendance the Minister of Inforamtion and National Orientation Alhaji Muhammad Idris Malagi.

All Information Commissioners of APC states, including the Kebbi state Commissioner of Information and Culture Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK were in attendance.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the host Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum who was represented by his Deputy Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur said that the meeting was timely and that Borno was happy to host it in order to advance the frontiers of good governance and democratic development.
He noted that the theme of the strategy meeting “FGN – PGF synergy 2015: One message, One Future” aptly points to a deliberate policy for collaboration for the good of the country.

While welcoming participants, he urged them to feel at home in Borno and endeavor to go sight seeing of the many people-oriented projects which his administration has embarked upon to make life better for the people of Borno state.

Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honor and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris commended Borno’s history of valor and resilience in the fight against insurgency. He acknowledged the role played by all stakeholders in the information dissemination process and showing patriotism in the course of service to the country.

He condemned recent unpatriotic attempts to color the country in the garb of genocide and other corrosive narratives for political gains by unpatriotic elements.

He called on social media practitioners and all journalists not to amplify the false narrative being pushed into the world realm by the agents of disinformation.

He reminded Commissioners of Information of the need to return home to take active measures to counter such narratives that are being churned out to sabotage the country. The Minister said President Tinubu’s masterplan to turn Nigeria into a Trillion Dollar economy must be supported by all.

The Commissioner of Information and Internal Security Borno state, Professor Mohammed Alhaji Tar had, in his welcome address said the Dr Zulum administration has consistently work in tandem with the wishes and aspiration of the people of the state. He noted that despite the challenges of insecurity and the flood disaster of recent, Borno state and its people have proved their resilience and perseverance in the face of these mindboggling challenges.

Mr Folorunso S. Aluko, Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum in his speech praised Professor Zulum’s impactful leadership in Borno state.
He explained that the strategy meeting of Commissioners of Information of APC governed states was meant to showcase the economic reforms drive of APC governance at all levels across the country.
Cultural dances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Borno people were displayed for the comfort of guests.
The meeting ends tomorrow.