Idris Calls on Nigerians to Demand Accountability from Governors Over Democracy's Benefits

As the campaign for the 2027 general elections approaches, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has called on Nigerians to demand accountability from their state governors regarding the inadequate delivery of democracy’s benefits. Idris emphasized that this call is pertinent as states and local governments have been receiving heightened allocations from the federation account since President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023.

While attending the 34th Convocation of the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Niger State, the minister stated that state and local governments should be supporting the initiatives being rolled out by the federal government across the nation.

Idris specifically urged governors to reassess their strategies, advising them to return to planning in order to deliver the promised dividends of democracy to their constituents.

He remarked that any governor who fails to leverage the federal government's current reforms for their state's sustainable development may be considered to have intentionally deprived their citizens of essential growth and progress.

Furthermore, he advised governors to refrain from placing blame on the president. At the national level, Idris noted that Tinubu has implemented various reforms that have notably transformed the country’s political and economic landscape, a fact that has been recognized by international organizations and foreign governments alike.

The minister affirmed that the Tinubu administration has made commendable efforts to convey that the opportunities arising from these reforms are accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of their background, age, religion, ethnicity, or region.

During his convocation lecture entitled, “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” Idris encouraged the youth to seize the various reforms introduced by Tinubu, particularly in the education sector, for their empowerment.

He highlighted that these reforms have created significant opportunities across all sectors, empowering young Nigerians as some of the primary beneficiaries of this new wave of prospects.

Idris pointed out that a key opportunity made available to young Nigerians in the past two years is the affordable, long-term financing for higher education students through the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Since its inception in May 2024, NELFUND has received close to 1.5 million applications, with over 900,000 beneficiaries to date. He disclosed that more than N174 billion has been allocated for tuition and monthly stipends, underscoring that NELFUND provides undeniable proof of the president's Renewed Hope Agenda being genuine, operational, impactful, and transformative.

The ceremony saw over 5,000 students graduating, with 111 achieving First Class honors.