President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian media professionals to promote national unity and social cohesion through responsible journalism, warning against using their platforms to deepen mistrust or division among citizens.
The President made the appeal while speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Annual Conference held in Abuja on Thursday. The event, themed “Guarding Democracy: The Role of the Editor in Ensuring Credible Election and Good Governance,” brought together editors, senior journalists, and communication experts from across the country to deliberate on the media’s role in strengthening democracy.
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Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu said journalists wield immense influence in shaping public perception, urging them to exercise such power with fairness, truth, and a sense of national responsibility.
“The media remains a vital pillar of democracy. But with that power comes responsibility to build bridges, not walls; to inform, not inflame; and to unite, not divide,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised that responsible reporting helps foster public trust and strengthens democratic institutions, noting that misinformation and sensationalism only serve to erode confidence in governance.
“The media must resist the temptation to sensationalise or promote narratives that fuel disunity. Instead, let us use our voices to advance truth, justice, and collective progress,” he added.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for its sustained commitment to professionalism and constructive engagement on national issues, assuring that his administration would continue to uphold press freedom and support an enabling environment for journalism to thrive.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to partner with media stakeholders in promoting transparency, good governance, and responsible communication.