*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Opening Address at the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Annual Conference 2025, asserts the media has a ‘distinct responsibility’ to help Nigeria to shape a climate of reason, unity, progress, and national cohesion

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government has restated the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction, and strengthening democratic life.

绿帽献妻 reports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, said this Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in his Opening Address at the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Annual Conference, held in Abuja, FCT.

Tinubu commended the leadership of the Guild for sustaining the tradition of reflection and professional engagement in the country.

President YTinubu (r) and Alhaji Mohammed Idrsi, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation at the event, in Abuja

The President, in his address, also said this year’s theme of the NGE Conference: “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, urged all Nigerians to reflect on the state of the country’s democracy, and the ways in which public discourse could either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold Nigeria together.

Underscoring the strategic importance of the media in a democracy, the Nigerian leaders said: “This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient, and trusted by our citizens.

“Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession.

“It has been an instrument of national awakening.”

Going down the memory lane, President Tinubu also recalled that 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.

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He noted that several journalists had endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good.

He said: “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.”

According to Tinubu, democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation, he stated.

Tinubu averred: “This is where your role becomes central and indispensable.

“As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives.”

The President declared: “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.”

On the importance of robust public discourse, the President asserted that Nigeria is a large and diverse country, and debate and differences are part of Nigeria’s reality.

“However, disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion.

“Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation.”

He explained: “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.”

On social media and citizen journalism

President Tinubu, in his address, said humanity now live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely.

According to him, social media has made every citizen a potential publisher.

Tinubu quipped: “This has benefits, but it 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. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle and professional judgement must be your guide.”

He further said: “I urge you, therefore, to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism. Report boldly, but do so truthfully.”

Regarding the conditional of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the Nigerian President said media professionals could

critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness.

The President said their aim “must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”

Tinubu stated: “On our part, this administration remains committed to securing our 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.”

Nation-building requires cooperation, says President

President Tinubu noted that the signs of progress are visible in several sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The President said: “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.”

He emphasised that nation-building requires cooperation. It requires trust.

Tinubu as well explained: “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.”

The Nigerian President urged the Editors to continue to exercise their constitutional responsibility “with seriousness and honour”.

Tinubu as well advised the media to choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair.

The President added: “Let us remember that the stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people, influence the country we become.

“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.”

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