President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigerian editors to uphold truth, balance, and professionalism as anchors of national unity and democratic growth.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said the media remains central to the nation’s democratic journey and must continue to serve as a pillar of truth and accountability.
“It is my privilege to welcome you to the State House for this year’s Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Your presence here reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction and strengthening democratic life,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Guild’s leadership for sustaining what he described as a “tradition of reflection and professional engagement,” noting that the theme of the conference — “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” — was both timely and necessary.
Media’s Role in National Cohesion
Tinubu paid tribute to generations of Nigerian journalists who, through courage and sacrifice, defended the ideals of democracy and national progress.
“Journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening,” he said. “Many journalists endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good. Their sacrifices are part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today.”
However, the President warned that freedom must be exercised with responsibility. “A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation,” he said, urging editors to prioritize accuracy and fairness in their work.
“As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted,” Tinubu noted. “Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle, and professional judgment must be your guide.”
Misinformation and the Digital Challenge
Tinubu observed that the rise of social media has made information travel faster but also more prone to distortion.
“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation,” he said.
He urged editors to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and resist the temptation of sensationalism. “Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak,” the President cautioned.
On Governance and Reforms
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to stability and growth, President Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at rebuilding confidence in the economy.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing,” he said. “The signs of progress are visible in several sectors, but we know there is more work to do.”
He emphasized that sustainable nation-building goes beyond economic measures, calling for trust and collaboration among all stakeholders. “Government has its role. The private sector has its role. Civil society has its role. The media also has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity,” Tinubu stated.
Call to Responsibility
President Tinubu concluded by urging journalists to approach their duties with integrity and national consciousness.
“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair,” he appealed. “The stories we tell ourselves as a nation influence the country we become.”
He commended the editors for their contributions to democracy and wished them “constructive, thoughtful and fruitful deliberations.”
