Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged Nigerian youths to use social media responsibly and avoid the spread of misinformation and unverified content.

Mr Idris made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) Abuja Youth programme
with the theme: “Passion.”

The minister canvassed responsible use of social media, warning youths about the dangers of spreading unverified content.

He said social media should be used for unification rather than destruction.

“If you don’t believe a message, please don’t share,” said Mr Idris. “If you share, you should know you are either advancing the world or leading it to destruction.”

Mr Idris narrated how his youthful passion for broadcast drove him to success.

” I didn’t get the opportunity at age 16, but now I have achieved a lot in the media industry.

“Today, I have found a new dream and I’m actualising it; so, it is not too late to start pursuing your passion,” he said.

He said the Bola Tinubu administration was combating misinformation by promoting media literacy.

“We are working with UNESCO to clean the information and communication ecosystem to rid the world of fake news.

“Nigeria has won the UNESCO Category 2 Media Information Literacy Centre in Abuja. In November, the whole world will look to Nigeria for the first media and information literacy institution of its kind,” Idris said.

The managing director of NTIC, Feyzullah Bilgin, had praised the impact of the TEDx Abuja Youth programme.

Mr Bilgin explained that the programme was to inform and empower individuals and young minds through powerful ideas.

He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity and innovation in students.

(NAN)