President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to uphold the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in their work, stressing that journalism remains vital to sustaining democracy and national unity.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the annual conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held at the State House, Tinubu said the media’s influence on public perception makes it a cornerstone of democratic life and nation-building.
“Your presence here reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction and strengthening democratic life,” the President said.
He commended the Guild’s leadership for maintaining what he described as “a tradition of reflection and professional engagement,” noting that the conference theme — ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors’ — was a timely call for introspection.
According to Tinubu, journalism in Nigeria has always been more than a profession; it has been an instrument of national awakening. He recalled the historic role of the press in challenging colonial domination and defending freedom during military regimes.
“The sacrifices of journalists are part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today,” he noted, while warning that “freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining — it requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise.”
Emphasizing the critical power of editors in shaping public narratives, Tinubu stated:
“You shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted. Use this power with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty.”
He cautioned against divisive reporting, urging the media to promote unity even amid dissent. “Disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion,” he said, adding that while constructive criticism strengthens governance, cynicism and sensationalism can weaken society.
Addressing the spread of misinformation in the digital age, Tinubu warned that “falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak,” emphasizing that verification, balance, and sound judgment must remain the media’s guiding principles.
“Report boldly, but truthfully,” he advised. “Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. The goal must never be to tear down but to help build a better society.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu said his government is working to restore macroeconomic stability, attract investment, and rebuild confidence. However, he stressed that national progress depends on collective responsibility.
“Economic reforms and institutional improvements alone cannot build the Nigeria we seek,” he said. “Government has its role, the private sector has its role, civil society has its role, and the media has a distinct responsibility to foster a climate of reason and unity.”
Tinubu concluded his address with a rallying appeal:
“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will help shape our national journey.”
He wished the editors fruitful deliberations, reaffirming his belief that their work remains central to the country’s democratic future.
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