President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to uphold the highest standards of ethical and responsible journalism in the discharge of their duties, emphasizing that the media plays a crucial role in sustaining democracy, national unity, and public trust.
Speaking on Wednesday while addressing a delegation of editors under the aegis of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu urged media professionals to continue to serve as the conscience of society by promoting truth, fairness, and objectivity in their reportage.
He said the press remains an indispensable pillar of democracy and must use its influence to foster peace, unity, and responsible civic engagement rather than division or misinformation.
“The media occupies a sacred place in our democracy,” the President said. “You have the power to shape opinions and influence actions. I urge you to deploy that power for national development, social cohesion, and the protection of our democratic values.”
Tinubu, who commended the Nigerian media for its resilience and watchdog role over the years, noted that responsible journalism requires balancing the right to freedom of expression with the duty to verify facts and report truthfully. He assured the Guild of his administration’s commitment to protecting press freedom while also calling for collaboration in combating the spread of fake news and disinformation.
The President reiterated that his government is focused on rebuilding the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and ensuring national security, noting that accurate and constructive reportage would help the public better understand ongoing reforms.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, commended President Tinubu for engaging directly with media leaders, describing the dialogue as a positive step toward strengthening press-government relations. Anaba reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to professionalism and ethical reporting, urging the government to provide a conducive environment for journalists to operate without fear or intimidation.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for partnership between the government and the media in nation-building, with both parties emphasizing that truth, transparency, and accountability remain the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic progress.
