Ibadan, Oct. 17, 2023: The Minister of Information and National Orientation , Mr Mohammed Idris, has said that the Federal government is taking substantial steps to navigate various fiscal challenges facing Nigeria.
Idris said this on Monday at the lecture and presentation of awards organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State council at it’s 2023 Press Week held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The lecture was themed ” Nigeria Economy: Re- imagining education system for the fifth Industrial Revolution” .
The Minister was represented at the event by the Director of Protocol, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Ebunoluwa Esan.
Idris said that the removal of subsidy was a bold move that signifies government commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic sustainability
“While it may bring short term discomfort , it will pave way for a more stable and prosperous future, it also demonstrates government dedication to making tough choices for the greater good”, he added
” The depreciation of Naira has presented its own set of challenges, however,
it is an opportunity for us to focus on building a resilient and diversified economy that is less dependent on the fluctuations of global currency markets
” Our commitment to economic reform and investment in critical sectors will , over time , help stabilize the Naira and enhance our economic prospects
” In our pursuit of media development, we have arrived to provide access to information, improve media infrastructure, and promote media literacy across the nation
” This is aimed to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas , ensuring that every Nigerians has access to accurate and unbiased information” Malagi said .
He added that the present administration in the Country will redouble it’s effort in supporting media development, upholding the principles of a free press and working towards a society where journalism thrives.
The Guest lecturer, Prof Kehinde Kester, a professor of Industrial Education and Training at the University of Ibadan, in his lecture called on the Federal government to key into robotic and human intelligent in the issue of industry 5.0.
Kester said , this talks about the contemporary issue, not only in the media, but, also looking at it on terms of education and the society generally.
He said in order to improve education sector, there is the need to revisit school curriculum two or three years interval.
” All over the whole world, the world is evolving and everybody is talking about the issue of industry 5.0, where we need to move towards human and robotic intelligent.
” While you don’t rely everything or put everything on robot alone and artificial intelligence alone, we also want a situation where human dignity as well as environmental sustainability is to be ensure in our society
” Government don’t have a choice, government just need to key into it, otherwise, Nigeria will be left behind” he said.
Kester said Nigeria needs to move with the advance World as they are moving , because everybody is moving towards artificial intelligent.
” Everybody is moving towards robotic, but, as we move towards robotic and artificial intelligence, we must also realised that there is that need to protect human dignity
” The dignity of every Nigerians Citizen and the right of every Nigerians Citizen to education , to wealth and to well-being ” Kester said.
The Minister was presented with recognition award at the occasion,while others awardees were Vanguard Pharmacy and Brent Mall .