President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to rise above sensationalism and partisanship, urging them to make truth, verification, and professionalism the moral compass of their practice.

He stressed that editors must guard the integrity of public discourse in an era of rapid misinformation and social media virality.

“Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle; and professional judgment must be your guide,” the President declared, drawing applause from the audience of top media professionals, policymakers, and communication experts.

 

A Call to Defend the Soul of Democracy

 

The President emphasized that journalism in Nigeria has never been a passive profession but a historic force that shaped the nation’s conscience and democratic evolution.

He paid tribute to generations of journalists who, through courage and sacrifice, stood up to tyranny, challenged oppression, and championed truth in the public interest.

“Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession, but  an instrument of national awakening.

“From the early newspapers that resisted colonial injustice to the principled voices that sustained hope during the dark days of dictatorship, the Nigerian press has always defended reason, dignity, and progress.”

Tinubu reminded editors that the freedom won through struggle is not self-sustaining; it must be continually protected through ethical practice and responsible reporting.

 

Truth Over Virality, Integrity Over Recklessness

 

Acknowledging the power of modern communication technology, the President noted that while social media has democratized access to information, it has also multiplied the dangers of misinformation.

In a world where falsehood travels faster than fact, he urged editors to stand firm as gatekeepers of credibility.

“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely,” Tinubu said. “Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher.

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.”

He urged editors to report boldly but truthfully, critique government policy with fairness, and resist the temptation to trade professionalism for popularity.

Media’s Role in Building National Cohesion

 

President Tinubu reminded the gathering that Nigeria’s diversity must remain its strength, not a source of division.

While disagreement and debate are natural in a democracy, he said they must not translate into discord or national fragmentation.

“Criticism, when informed and constructive, serves 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.”

He called on editors to use their platforms to promote reasoned debate, unity, and shared progress, adding that the stories they publish help shape how citizens perceive the nation and its possibilities.

Reforms, Responsibility, and Shared Vision

Speaking on national development, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to stabilizing the economy, sustaining growth, and expanding opportunities for all Nigerians.

He acknowledged the challenges of ongoing reforms but maintained that the government remains steadfast in rebuilding confidence and driving inclusive progress.

“Economic reforms and institutional improvements alone cannot build the Nigeria we seek. Nation-building requires cooperation, trust, and a shared understanding that our future is tied together.

“The government has its role, the private sector has its role, civil society has its role and the media also has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity.”

 

Editors as Custodians of Public Trust

In his closing remarks, President Tinubu charged editors to continue serving as custodians of truth and conscience.

He emphasized that their editorial tone, newsroom standards, and courage in defending factual accuracy will ultimately define Nigeria’s democratic future.

“Distinguished editors, your work matters,” he said. “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.”

He concluded by urging the Guild to continue fostering professionalism, dialogue, and ethical conduct across the media space, assuring that his administration remains open to constructive engagement with the press.

“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair,” he said. “Let us remember that the stories we tell ourselves as a nation influence the country we become.”

A Renewed Commitment to Media Integrity

 

As the Nigerian Guild of Editors commenced its 2025 Annual Conference, President Tinubu’s message set the tone for sober reflection across the journalism community.

His address not only reaffirmed government’s respect for press freedom but also underscored the sacred duty of the media to safeguard truth, foster cohesion, and nurture a democracy rooted in shared trust.