FG Rallies Nigerians Around Unity for National Security, Development By Tahir Ahmad
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians to see national unity and citizen trust as the true bedrock of national security and development.
He stated that, “there can be no security without unity, and no unity without trust.”
Idris made this assertion during his keynote address at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum, held in Abuja.
The high-level policy dialogue was themed, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizens’ Engagement and National Security – One Voice, One Vision: Uniting Perspectives for a Stronger Nigeria”.
Before his speech, the Minister led the gathering in observing a minute of silence in honour of two national tragedies the victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, and Kano State athletes who lost their lives in a fatal crash while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Idris described the event as more than a policy talk shop, calling it a “platform for synchronising national strategy with citizen realities.”
He said the timing of the forum was significant, as the country stands “at the confluence of purpose and possibility.”
“This forum reflects that vision. It brings together government, media, civil society, and the security community, not in silos, but in synergy. Not to talk at each other, but to listen to each other.
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“This dialogue is a symbol of that possibility as a platform where differences are not erased but embraced, as part of a collective solution. I encourage us to leave here with more than ideas.
“Let us leave with commitment. A renewed commitment to truth in our media, institutions, to equity in our policies, to transparency in our governance, and to compassion in our communities,” he said.
He underscored that in the face of insecurity, the nation’s strongest defence isn’t force, but trust between the people and their leaders.
“In times of uncertainty and insecurity, our greatest weapon is not force—it is trust,” Idris said, urging Nigerians to embrace the spirit of collective responsibility in shaping national peace and progress.
He further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is anchored on participatory governance where every citizen must be “seen, heard, and valued.”
Idris asserted that these initiatives are already producing visible outcomes. “After a stormy start, food prices are falling, insecurity is being curtailed, and local government autonomy is taking root,” he said.
He also praised the creation of new ministries such as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and ministries focused on regional development, noting that these efforts represent “governance making new headway for the first time in decades.”
Commending Voice of Nigeria for organising the forum, Idris described the broadcaster as more than a news outlet—“VON is shaping narratives and forging national identity, ensuring that the voice of Nigeria is heard, respected, and trusted, whether in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo or English—whether in Berlin or Birnin Kebbi.”
