President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to anchor their reports on verified information and uphold the principles of balance and fairness in their stories.
Speaking at the opening of the 12th Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, the President underscored the vital role of the media in sustaining democracy and promoting national unity.
In his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the indispensable role of the press in shaping public discourse, adding that responsible journalism remains the cornerstone of any democratic society. He stressed that while the government welcomes scrutiny, such scrutiny must be rooted in factual and balanced reporting.
“The press is free to criticise the government. But do so with knowledge and fairness. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle; and professional judgment must be your guide”, he charged.
The President’s remarks come at a time when the nation grapples with the rising challenge of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, particularly across digital platforms. Tinubu warned that the proliferation of unverified information could undermine national stability and erode public trust in institutions.
He emphasised that the editorial function of journalists has become more important than ever in the digital era, where social media often amplifies falsehoods faster than facts.
“Falsehoods can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever”, he stressed.
The President commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for its consistent advocacy for press freedom and professionalism, noting that the conference provides a vital platform for editors to reflect on the evolving challenges of journalism in the digital age.
He urged media practitioners to resist the temptation of sensationalism and partisanship, reminding them that their foremost duty is to the truth and to the people. According to him, “Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness.”
The President’s charge resonated with the conference theme, which focuses on strengthening journalistic integrity amid the challenges posed by technology and public mistrust. He said the administration remains committed to protecting press freedom as enshrined in the Constitution, but expects journalists to exercise that freedom responsibly.
Tinubu reiterated that democracy thrives on an informed citizenry, and the media plays a key role in shaping public opinion based on facts, not speculation. “We may not always agree, but we must always engage constructively for the greater good of our nation”, he noted.
In response, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, thanked President Tinubu for his engagement with the media community and reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to upholding ethical standards. He also called on government agencies to ensure access to information to enable journalists to perform their duties effectively.
Anaba noted that the Guild would continue to advocate for better working conditions for journalists, as well as the safety of reporters covering sensitive beats across the country. He maintained that press freedom is inseparable from national development.
Participants at the conference, drawn from across the country, commended the President’s remarks, describing them as timely and reflective of the challenges confronting the Nigerian media landscape.
The two-day conference, which continues on Thursday, is expected to feature discussions on digital transformation, media regulation, press freedom, and national security. Experts and policymakers are scheduled to deliberate on actionable steps to strengthen journalism’s role in Nigeria’s democratic growth.
