Tinubu urges editors to prioritise clarity and national unity in reporting
President addresses Nigerian Guild of Editors conference in Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors and media professionals to embrace clarity, accuracy, and responsibility in their reporting, stressing that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and strengthening national unity.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Conference held in Lagos, the President, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged editors to “choose clarity over confusion and truth over sensationalism.”
Tinubu emphasised that the role of editors goes beyond publishing stories; it extends to safeguarding democracy, promoting development, and protecting the country’s collective interests.
“The media is not just a watchdog—it is a partner in the progress of the nation. When information is distorted or exaggerated, it can mislead citizens and inflame divisions. But when facts are reported clearly and responsibly, the media becomes a pillar of national stability,” the President said.
Media urged to embrace developmental journalism
Tinubu used the occasion to call for a new era of developmental journalism that aligns with Nigeria’s growth agenda. He said the government welcomes constructive criticism and investigative reporting, but stressed that journalists must balance accountability with objectivity.
“We need journalism that challenges, questions, and investigates—but also journalism that inspires and builds. Our country faces enough external challenges; we must not allow misinformation to become an internal one,” he noted.
The President highlighted recent government initiatives in the economy, infrastructure, and security sectors, noting that the administration’s reforms require fair and accurate communication to reach the public effectively.
NGE pledges continued support for democracy
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism and national cohesion. He said editors must continue to hold power accountable while ensuring that truth and clarity guide editorial decisions.
Anaba said: “Editors have a sacred duty to ensure that the truth is never compromised. In an era where fake news spreads faster than facts, clarity and accuracy must be our watchwords.”
He also commended President Tinubu for acknowledging the media’s role as a partner in nation-building, adding that the guild would continue to engage government constructively on issues of press freedom and public accountability.
Government reaffirms press freedom and collaboration
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the administration’s respect for press freedom, saying that the government values an independent media as a cornerstone of democracy.
“The Tinubu administration believes that a free press is essential for a functioning democracy. However, freedom comes with responsibility. We must all work together to ensure that this freedom is not abused or weaponised,” Idris stated.
He added that the government plans to collaborate more closely with media institutions to combat misinformation, strengthen professional training, and enhance fact-checking capacity across newsrooms.
Editors urged to adapt to digital transformation
The conference also discussed the challenges of digital journalism and artificial intelligence, with participants calling for continuous training and ethical adaptation to emerging technologies.
Tinubu urged editors to embrace innovation while upholding journalistic standards. “Technology should be an enabler, not a disruptor of truth. The digital age offers opportunities for greater reach, but also for greater responsibility,” he said.
As the conference concluded, delegates reaffirmed their resolve to uphold clarity, truth, and professionalism in journalism—values they said remain essential to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
With the 2025 NGE conference behind them, editors across the country now face the task of turning those words into practice, ensuring that every headline, report, and editorial contributes to a more informed and united nation.
