Why we’re hosting UNESCO Confab – FG
According to the Federal Government, Friday’s announcement that the 2022 Global Media and Information Literacy Week was scheduled to take place in Abuja from October 24 through 31, would help with the ongoing fight against fake news, misinformation, and hate speech.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Minister of Information and Culture) expressed optimism at Abuja’s inauguration of the 25-member Local Organizing Committee.
He stated that hosting the 2022 GMIL would go a long ways to address the growing trend in fake news, misinformation, and hate speech. It will also enhance the campaign against these practices we launched in 2018, he added.
Mohammed stated that Nigeria’s decision to host the event is evidence of Nigeria’s strong support for Media and Information Literacy.
“The First Global Forum for Partnership on MIL was held in Nigeria, Abuja 2013, and it was a success. The Forum was the birthplace of the UNESCO MIL Alliance and other initiatives. This Forum is part of our collective goal to reach Media and Information Literacy for All and By All. The minister stated that Nigeria’s contribution to the birth and growth of MIL, particularly in the West African Sub-Region played a significant role in UNESCO’s decision not to grant our country the right for hosting this event.
Mohammed instructed the LOC members who come from academia and the media to use their experience to organize a successful event. This is what is expected of such a high-calibre committee.
He stated, “Since the 11th edition was agreed upon, we have been working closely with the UNESCO Secretariat and UNESCO Regional Office Abuja to make it a memorable and fitting event. The preparation of the Concept Note and choosing the theme is crucial. Both have been completed successfully, let me tell you.
“Accordingly, this year’s Global Media and Information Literacy theme, which was duly approved and approved by UNESCO is: ‘Nurturing trust: A Media and Information Literacy imperative.’ This theme highlights how Media and Information Literacy can help to foster trust and counter mistrust.
Mohammed, who took the opportunity to reveal the MIL Week Logo at the event, stated that the 2022 GMIL would see participants from more than 193 UNESCO member nations, both physically and virtually.
He stated that the LOC would be supported by nine sub-committees. These include Venue and Accommodation, Finance, Sponsorship and Marketing; Media and Publicity and Protocol and Security; Transport and Logistics. Entertainment and Ceremonial. Technical and Mobilization. As well as Secretariat.
The Minister thanked Major General Muhammadu Buhari, Retired. The Minister thanked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for his gracious approval of the hosting of the event as well as for agreeing to open the High-level session.
He also praised Nigeria’s Permanent delegate to UNESCO Dr. Hajio, Sani, and Dr. Tawfik, the Assistant Director General for Communication, Information, UNESCO Headquarters, for their efforts in ensuring a successful GMIL.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed will chair the LOC, and Dr. Vice-chair would be Adaora Ifeoma Anyawutaku.
