ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian editors to uphold the highest standards of responsible journalism to strengthen democratic governance and promote national unity.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), held at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu commended the Guild for sustaining its tradition of reflection and professional engagement, describing the media as “central to the preservation of democracy and national cohesion.”
“It is my privilege to welcome you to the State House for this year’s Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Your presence here reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction,” the president said.
The theme of this year’s conference — “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” — was described by Tinubu as timely and relevant.
He urged editors to use their platforms to strengthen public trust and deepen civic responsibility, adding that the Nigerian press had long played a crucial role in defending truth and democracy, even under repressive regimes.
“Freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise,” Tinubu said.
“Report boldly, but 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.”
The president warned against the dangers of misinformation in the age of social media, stressing that verification, balance, and professional judgment must guide editorial work.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring security, stability, and inclusive growth through economic reforms aimed at strengthening national institutions.
“Nation-building requires cooperation, trust, and a shared understanding that our future is tied together. Government has its role. The media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity,” he said.
Earlier, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, hailed Tinubu’s attendance as historic, noting that it was the first time a sitting president had personally declared open an NGE conference.
He praised Tinubu as “a personification of resilience and democratic struggle,” recalling his long-standing support for press freedom and media independence.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, no media house has been threatened, gagged, or shut down for expressing dissent. This reflects our conscious commitment to the constitutional principles of press freedom,” Idris said.
He called on editors to partner with the government in telling Nigeria’s story with truth, balance, and optimism, while maintaining the critical role of holding power to account.
The two-day conference attracted top government officials, media leaders, veteran editors, and journalists from across the country.
Among the dignitaries present were Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and veteran journalist Olusegun Osoba.
The sub-theme for this year’s conference, “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,” sets the tone for discussions on rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the next general elections.
