Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on marketing and communication professionals across the country to spark a new era of truth-driven, nation-building communication. He made the charge on Thursday in Abuja while declaring open the 5th National Advertising Conference, a gathering he praised as one of the most influential platforms in the nation’s marketing and advertising landscape.
The event, organized by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) under the leadership of Director-General Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, brought together industry leaders, brand strategists, creative professionals, and communication stakeholders to explore the theme: “Marketing Communication: Transforming Business and Creating Growth in Challenging Times.” Idris described the theme as timely, especially as Nigeria navigates economic pressure, rapid technological disruption, and fast-changing consumer patterns.
Speaking to delegates, Idris stressed that marketing communication is no longer just a business function but a force that shapes national identity and influences global perception. According to him, the field acts as “the bridge between creativity and commerce, between ideas and impact, and between perception and reality.”
He warned against the spread of misinformation and addressed claims circulating internationally that Nigeria suppresses religious freedom—a narrative he described as not only misleading but entirely false.
“Nigeria remains a nation of diverse peoples and faiths who have lived together peacefully for generations,” he said, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening peace and tackling insecurity across the country.
Idris urged professionals to lead a communication renaissance grounded in truth, unity, and national pride. He encouraged the deployment of digital storytelling, inclusive messaging, and value-based branding to project Nigeria as a nation rich in opportunity, innovation, and human potential.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Information is currently upgrading its public information systems to ensure that accurate narratives about Nigeria are amplified at home and abroad. One of these reforms, he noted, is the National Values Charter Framework, designed to reinvigorate principles such as integrity, patriotism, and honesty across all communication channels.
“As communicators, your work carries weight,” Idris reminded participants. “In these challenging times, communication remains our strongest instrument—for business, governance, and nation-building.”
Earlier in his remarks, ARCON Director-General Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo welcomed attendees and emphasized the role of marketing communication in driving business resilience and transformation. He described the conference as a strategic melting pot of ideas, bringing together creators and corporate leaders to explore creativity, data-driven strategy, and technological integration.
The three-day conference features panel discussions, case-study showcases, workshops, and thought-leadership sessions designed to help professionals navigate market uncertainties while maintaining creativity and measurable impact.
Dr. Fadolapo urged participants to embrace innovation, collaboration, and patriotism, noting that effective communication has never been more critical for business growth and national development.
The conference continues in Abuja, with industry players expected to outline new pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s marketing communication ecosystem in the years ahead.