President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and national responsibility in their reporting, stressing that the media plays a central role in strengthening democracy and promoting national cohesion.
The President made the appeal while delivering his opening address at the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Annual Conference, held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Welcoming participants, President Tinubu commended the Guild for sustaining what he described as “a tradition of reflection and professional engagement,” adding that the chosen theme — “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” — was timely and important.
“Your presence here reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction and strengthening democratic life,” he said.
The President acknowledged the historic role of journalism in Nigeria’s nationhood, noting that the press has always been more than a profession — it has been “an instrument of national awakening.”
“From the early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the principled voices that kept hope alive during military rule, the Nigerian press has stood at critical points in our nation’s history to defend reason, dignity, and progress,” 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.”
While praising the sacrifices of journalists, President Tinubu emphasized that freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility and vigilance.
“A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation,” he said. “As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives, influence public understanding, and decide what becomes national focus. The weight of that responsibility must be exercised with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty.”
The President cautioned against divisive reporting and the dangers of misinformation in the digital age, particularly on social media, where “falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak.”
He urged editors to make verification their anchor and balance their guiding principle.
“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,” he said.
On the state of the nation, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring stability, driving reforms, and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing,” he noted. “We have taken steps to restore macroeconomic balance, encourage investment and rebuild confidence. The signs of progress are visible in several sectors, though we recognize there is still much more work to do.”
He stressed that economic progress alone cannot guarantee nation-building without trust, cooperation, and shared understanding among all sectors — government, private sector, civil society, and the media.
“The media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity,” he said. “Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair.”
Concluding his address, President Tinubu lauded the editors for their invaluable service to the nation and urged them to continue setting the tone for responsible journalism.
“Your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will shape the direction of our national journey,” he said.
He wished the Guild fruitful deliberations and expressed optimism that the outcomes of their discussions would contribute positively to national development.
