President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigerian media to ensure that their criticism of government policies and actions remains fair, informed, and constructive, saying such engagement should strengthen, rather than undermine, national unity.
Speaking at the opening of the 21st All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC 2025) held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Tinubu said nation-building requires cooperation, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders.
The president, the first sitting Nigerian leader to attend the editors’ conference, commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for choosing the theme “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors.” He said it reflects the need to strengthen the country’s democracy and ensure that public discourse contributes to peace and progress.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital era, where misinformation spreads rapidly, urging journalists to make verification, balance, and professional judgment their guiding principles.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, economic stability, and opportunity creation, noting that the government’s reforms are aimed at establishing a strong and enduring economic foundation.
Tinubu also addressed the concerns of the NGE on tax reliefs, fiscal incentives, media digitization, and press freedom, assuring that his government would review relevant policies to support the media industry.
Delivering the keynote address, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, charged editors to uphold editorial integrity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
He warned against sensationalism and divisive reporting, stating that “division sells and outrage travels faster than nuance,” urging editors to prioritize accuracy, verification, and national interest.
Uzodinma linked responsible journalism to economic stability, adding that truthful reporting on government reforms helps attract investment and sustain confidence in the economy.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the administration’s commitment to press freedom, noting that over 1,000 licensed broadcast stations operate freely without government interference.
He described editors as key partners in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and announced that Nigeria will host the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, positioning the country as a global hub for responsible journalism.
The two-day ANEC 2025 conference, attended by over 400 media professionals, features discussions on law, politics, national security, the economy, and the evolving role of the newsroom in the age of misinformation and artificial intelligence.
The event is co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay/Arise Media Group.
