By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigerian editors to exercise their power and influence responsibly by promoting national unity, upholding journalistic integrity, and strengthening democratic values through accurate and constructive reporting.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu commended the media for its historic role in defending freedom and shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
He said the conference theme, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” was timely, urging editors to reflect deeply on how public discourse can help preserve the bonds of national unity in a diverse society like Nigeria.
“Journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening,” Tinubu said. “Many journalists endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good. Their sacrifices form part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today.”
The President emphasized that democracy thrives not just on elections and laws but also on the “integrity of public conversation,” noting that editors occupy a central position in shaping narratives and public understanding.
“As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. The weight of that responsibility is significant and must be exercised with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty,” he said.
President Tinubu also warned against the spread of misinformation in the age of social media, urging editors to remain steadfast in verification and accuracy.
“Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits but also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever,” he cautioned.
On the economy, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic balance, encouraging investment, and ensuring that ongoing reforms translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing. The signs of progress are visible in several sectors, but we know there is more work to do,” he said.
The President called for cooperation among all sectors — government, private enterprise, civil society, and the media — in the task of nation-building.
“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair,” he urged. “The stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people influence the country we become.”
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors for sustaining the tradition of professional reflection and urged them to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism in service to the nation.