President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors and media professionals to uphold truth, fairness, and national unity in their work, saying responsible journalism is vital to the survival and growth of democracy.
The President made the call while delivering his opening address at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday. The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, brought together leading editors, journalists, and communication experts from across the country to discuss the role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting unity.
In his address, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian press for its historic role in the country’s democratic journey, noting that journalists had always stood at the forefront of national change.
“Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening,” Tinubu said. He recalled the sacrifices of journalists who challenged colonial oppression and stood firm during military rule, often at great personal risk.
He said the resilience of those journalists helped lay the foundation for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today. “Many endured intimidation, detention, and hardship in defence of the public good. Their sacrifices are part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today,” the President said.
However, Tinubu warned that democracy must be constantly nurtured. “Freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise,” he said.
Addressing the editors directly, President Tinubu said their role in shaping public understanding and influencing national conversations could not be overstated.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu reminded them that with great influence comes great responsibility. He urged editors to ensure their work promotes national cohesion rather than division, saying that disagreement and debate are natural in a diverse country like Nigeria, but they must not threaten unity.
“Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve,” he said.
President Tinubu also addressed the growing problem of misinformation in the digital age. He observed that social media has made it easy for falsehoods to spread faster than verified facts, making the role of professional editors even more critical.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He urged editors to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and balance, describing verification as “the anchor” of journalism. “Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the country, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to stabilizing the economy and improving citizens’ welfare. He said the reforms introduced since he took office were aimed at restoring confidence and setting Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing,” he said.
According to the President, government efforts are already showing results in several sectors, though he admitted there is still more work to do. “We remain focused on ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians,” he assured.
Beyond economic reforms, Tinubu stressed that nation-building requires cooperation among all sectors of society—government, private sector, civil society, and the media. He said trust and collaboration are essential for progress.
“Government has its role. The private sector has its role. Civil society has its role. And the media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity,” Tinubu said.
He called on journalists to promote hope and national purpose through their reporting. “Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair,” he urged.
Tinubu also reminded editors of the need to maintain the highest ethical standards in their profession. He said the tone set in newsrooms and the courage to defend truth would help determine the direction of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Distinguished Editors, your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will all help shape the direction of our national journey,” the President said.
He encouraged the editors to use their influence to promote understanding, accountability, and positive change, rather than division or despair.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), founded in 1961, is the professional body representing senior editorial executives across print, broadcast, and online media in Nigeria. Its annual conference provides a platform for journalists to discuss national issues, professional standards, and the state of the media industry.
This year’s conference focused on how media practitioners can contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and addressing the country’s socio-political challenges.
Over the years, the NGE has been at the forefront of promoting press freedom and defending the independence of the media. The Guild’s conferences often serve as a bridge between the media and government, allowing open dialogue on issues affecting journalism and governance.
