President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged media practitioners to exercise restraint in news reporting, adding that journalism must be practiced with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty.
Tinubu made the call while speaking at the 21st edition of the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President noted that in an era when information travels rapidly and widely, with social media turning every citizen into a potential publisher, the speed and scale of misinformation have also increased.
“Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor, balance your principle, and professional judgment your guide,” he said.
Calling for constructive criticism, the President urged media practitioners to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism.
“Report boldly, but do so 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.
“I ask that you continue to exercise that responsibility with seriousness and honour. Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. Let us remember that the stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people, influence the country we become,” he said.
The President while emphasising the importance of the media in shaping national direction and strengthening democracy, also commended the leadership of the Guild for sustaining the tradition of reflection and professional engagement.
“The theme you have chosen, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, invites us to reflect on the state of our democracy and the ways in which public discourse can either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold our nation together,” he added.
Tinubu described the conversation as necessary in building institutions that are transparent, resilient, and trusted by citizens.
“Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening. From the early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the principled voices that kept hope alive during the dark days of military dictatorship, the Nigerian press has stood at critical points in our nationhood to defend reason, dignity and progress,” he said.
The President also paid tributes journalists who endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good, adding that “their sacrifices are part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today. We honour them not only in memory but also by remaining committed to the values they upheld.”
“Yet, freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise. A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation. This is where your role becomes central and indispensable.
“As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted.
“The weight of that responsibility is significant. It must be exercised with wisdom, fairness and a strong sense of national duty,” Tinubu added.
The President also noted Nigeria’s diversity, adding that “debate and differences are part of our reality.”
He however, warned that “disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion. Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve. The national interest must always remain paramount.”
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He assured that his administration remains committed to securing the nation, sustaining economic stability and widening the circle of opportunity for all citizens.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing. We have taken steps to restore macroeconomic balance, encourage investment and rebuild confidence.”
He reiterated that the signs of progress are visible in several sectors of the economy.
“Still, we know there is more work to do, and we remain focused on ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
“However, economic reforms and institutional improvements alone cannot build the Nigeria we seek. Nation-building requires cooperation. It requires trust. It requires a shared understanding that our future is tied together. Government has its role. The private sector has its role. Civil society has its role. And the media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity.
“Distinguished Editors, your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will all help shape the direction of our national journey. Let us carry this responsibility with purpose,” he said.
