- Journalism as an instrument of national awakening and resilience
- He urged the media, private sector, and civil society to join hands in promoting unity and progress
- editorial responsibility is critical to maintaining truth, balance, and public trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists and editors to uphold their duty as the Fourth Estate of the Realm by promoting nation-building and safeguarding democracy through fair and responsible reporting.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking at the 21st Nigerian Guild of Editors Annual Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: Role of Editors,” Tinubu urged the media to “report boldly and truthfully, criticise with knowledge, and build rather than destroy.”
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He acknowledged journalism’s historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing it as an instrument of national awakening and resilience.
The President promised to consider the Guild’s requests for fiscal incentives, tax relief, and policy support to strengthen press freedom and ensure media sustainability.
He warned against the dangers of misinformation in the digital era, stressing that editorial responsibility is critical to maintaining truth, balance, and public trust.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and prosperity amid insecurity challenges, urging the media, private sector, and civil society to join hands in promoting unity and progress.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised Tinubu for being the first sitting President to physically attend the conference.
He noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, press freedom remains protected, with over 1,000 broadcast stations operating freely.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who also spoke at the event, urged editors to take greater responsibility in protecting electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that biased reporting could deepen national divisions.
NGE President, Eze Anaba, thanked Tinubu for engaging directly with the Guild and called for legal reforms, tax relief, and a Media Development Fund to support innovation and newsroom transformation.
He emphasised that editors must “defend truth and accountability — not as adversaries, but as partners in building a stronger nation.”
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