Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has urged Nigerian editors to uphold the highest standards of journalism by reporting boldly and truthfully while contributing to national unity and development.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 21st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu said the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, plays a critical role in sustaining democracy and strengthening national cohesion.
The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: Role of Editors,” brought together media leaders, government officials, and policymakers to discuss the role of journalism in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPresident Tinubu acknowledged the pivotal role the Nigerian press has played throughout history from its fight against colonialism to its resistance during the military era, describing journalism as “an instrument of national awakening.”
“This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient and trusted by our citizens,” the President said. “Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”
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The President warned against the growing spread of misinformation, urging editors to uphold verification, balance, and professional judgement as their guiding principles.
“Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak,” he said.
President Tinubu also addressed challenges confronting the media industry and promised to consider the Guild’s requests for fiscal incentives, including tax reliefs, legal protections, and policy support to ensure sustainability and press freedom.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling national security challenges such as terrorism and banditry, saying Nigeria would be returned to a path of peace and prosperity.
“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. The stories we tell ourselves as a nation influence the country we become,” he added.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised President Tinubu for attending the Guild’s conference, the first time a sitting president had done so and said the administration has ensured a free and unfettered media environment.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, no media house has been threatened, gagged or shut down for expressing dissent,” Idris said.
Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who also spoke at the event, urged editors to take responsibility for protecting electoral integrity and restoring public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy,” Uzodimma said, warning that editorial decisions carry far-reaching consequences for national cohesion and democratic stability.
President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, thanked President Tinubu for his presence, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s recognition of the media as a strategic partner in nation-building.
Anaba reiterated the Guild’s call for government intervention in the form of tax incentives, press freedom guarantees, and a Media Development Fund to support innovation and newsroom transformation.
“Editors must defend the sanctity of truth, insist on transparency, and hold power to account, not as adversaries of government, but as constructive partners in the pursuit of national progress,” he stated.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
