The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Tuesday signed a performance bond with heads of parastatals under the ministry.
The MoU was signed at a One-Day retreat of the Ministry and its parastatals held in Abuja.
The Minister, whole supervising the bond signing, charged the heads of the agencies and their staff to key into the vision of Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and work in synergy, as this is the only way to deliver the results expected of them.
He also urged them to work as a team in carrying out their duties with utmost dedication and commitment.
“You understand the efforts that the government is putting into renewing hope as it has promised, in the area of improved minimum wage, student loans, consumer credit, loans to big and small businesses as well as different support grants. I call on the ministry and its parastatals to key into this vision and work in synergy, as this is the only way to deliver the results expected of us.
“I want to use this opportunity to remind us that as the Ministry of Information, we must understand the efforts that the government is putting into renewing hope as it has promised, in the area of improved minimum wage, student loans, consumer credit, loans to big and small businesses as well as different support grants.
“The government is also not resting on its oars regarding infrastructure and social projects around the country; we must understand these efforts before we can communicate them successfully.”
“At the beginning of my tenure, I had outlined my vision for the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to commit to transparency in public communication and to build trust between the government and its citizens.
“This is paramount because transparency plays a crucial role in fostering and reinforcing that trust,” he added.
Recall that the Minister and the Permanent Secretary had signed a performance bond with the President to guarantee that they would fulfill the ministry’s mandate.
Following this, the Permanent Secretary also involved directors to also commit to the process.
Speaking on the retreat, the Minister said the retreat was important to ensure that he and his staff remain on track in delivering their statutory mandate.
“This retreat is likely the first large-scale event I am attending with members of staff of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its parastatals, and for good reason;
“It is important to ensure that we are on track in terms of delivering the ministry’s mandate. I believe it is happening in good time. I believe it is important that we also remember the Ministry’s core mandate, which is: “To lead the management of the image and reputation of the people and Government of Nigeria through a professional and dynamic public information system that facilitates access and feedback by citizens and the global community.
The Ministry’s remit also includes regulatory responsibilities and the partnerships we offer other government organizations to communicate their mandates.
“Since the advent of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there has been a structured agenda to achieve a Renewed Hope Initiative with all MDAs involved, and with a tracking system to ensure compliance. This tracking system is managed by the Central Results Delivery and Coordinating Unit (CRDCU) in the office of the SGF.
“All of you here are responsible for delivering our results to this office, either as heads or as Delivery Officers. This retreat is organized to ensure that we understand this responsibility.”
He therefore , urged the staff to have open discussions regarding red flags and grey areas so that they do not just deliver on their mandate but are also seen to deliver well.
“Whatever challenges we observe regarding our deliverables, let them be addressed as soon as possible. If my attention is required, please contact me.”
Present at the retreat were experts from the CRCDU and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination among others.