By Dennis Okechukwu
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged media professionals in Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region’s future will depend not only on infrastructure and economic development but also on the stories told about its people and potential.
Speaking on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris said the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, attracting investment, preserving culture, strengthening democracy and promoting national unity.
“The future of Northern Nigeria will not be determined only by the quality of our roads, our farms or our industries. It will also be shaped by the quality of our ideas and the stories we tell about ourselves,” he said.
Addressing the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” the minister said democracy thrives when government remains accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional duty with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
He warned that while digital technology has expanded communication and economic opportunities, it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“Falsehood often travels faster than truth. That is why professional journalism has never been more important. Credible journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, verification and responsibility,” Idris said.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protecting press freedom and maintaining constructive engagement with the media.
According to him, the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties professionally, noting that democracy flourishes when citizens are well informed and the media responsibly carries out its watchdog role.
Idris also called on journalists to project a more balanced image of Northern Nigeria by reporting not only security challenges but also stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, research and community development.
“Northern Nigeria is far more than insecurity. It is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people who are transforming their communities every day. These stories deserve to be told alongside the challenges because they present a fuller and more accurate picture of our region,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms are creating opportunities across the country, particularly in the North.
He cited the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and investments in rail, energy and logistics as key initiatives driving national development.
Idris also announced two major achievements under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation—the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform.
He said the initiatives would promote responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs, encourage local content and strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation.
The minister urged media practitioners to become partners in building a more prosperous and united region by highlighting positive stories without compromising the truth.
The inaugural Arewa Media Summit, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, attracted journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers.
Among those in attendance were Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, representatives of the governors of Yobe and Kebbi states, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, and several other government officials and stakeholders.