The Federal Government has urged journalists in Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, saying the region’s future will depend not only on development projects but also on the stories told about its people and potential.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris gave the charge on Monday in Kano while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit.
He said the media has a critical role to play in shaping public opinion, strengthening democracy, preserving culture and attracting investment, stressing that journalism must remain rooted in professionalism, fairness and integrity.
“The future of Northern Nigeria will not be determined only by the quality of our roads, our farms or our industries. It will also be shaped by the quality of our ideas and the stories we tell about ourselves,” Idris said.
Referring to the summit’s theme, Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice, the minister said democracy works best when government is accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism.
“These are partners in building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he said.
Idris warned that while digital technology has opened new opportunities for communication and growth, it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“Falsehood often travels faster than truth. That is why professional journalism has never been more important. Credible journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, verification and responsibility,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom and constructive engagement with the media, describing a free and responsible press as vital to democratic governance.
“We remain committed to upholding press freedom as a pillar of democracy and to creating an enabling environment where journalists can carry out their duties professionally. Democracy flourishes when citizens are well informed, and the media performs its watchdog role responsibly,” he said.
The minister also urged journalists to project a more balanced image of Northern Nigeria, saying the region should not be defined solely by insecurity.
“Northern Nigeria is far more than insecurity. It is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists, and young people who are transforming their communities every day,” he said.
“These stories deserve to be told alongside the challenges because they present a fuller and more accurate picture of our region.”
Idris said the Federal Government was investing in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and investments in rail, energy and logistics.
He also highlighted the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute and the launch of the Digital Switch Over platform, FreeTV, as key milestones under his ministry.
According to him, the initiatives will strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs and promote local content.
He urged media professionals to help shape a better future for the region through the stories they tell.
“Tell the stories of our innovators. Tell the stories of our farmers. Tell the stories of our entrepreneurs. Tell stories that inspire confidence without abandoning truth. Tell stories that unite rather than divide,” he said.
The summit was convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, and drew journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers from across Northern Nigeria.