The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said his recognition with the Image Maker Award 2026 by the Vanguard Newspaper reflects growing efforts to strengthen public trust in government communication, as Nigeria navigates a critical phase of reforms.

Idris spoke after receiving the honour from Vanguard Media Limited at a ceremony held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos where he described the award as timely amid ongoing policy shifts aimed at repositioning the country’s economy for long-term growth.

According to the minister, effective communication remains central to governance, noting that government messaging must go beyond information dissemination to inspire confidence, unity, and hope among citizens.

He stressed that building trust through clear and consistent engagement is essential in sustaining public support.

He further explained that transparency and sustained interaction with both the media and the public have helped narrow the gap between government actions and public perception, adding that open dialogue has become a critical tool in managing expectations during reform periods.

Highlighting the role of information in national security, Idris said timely and accurate communication has been key in maintaining public calm, revealing continued collaboration between government agencies and media organisations to ensure credible information flow.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and credibility in public communication, describing the award as a call to deepen engagement with Nigerians.