President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to recommit to ethical journalism and nation-building, stressing the media’s crucial role in strengthening democracy, promoting unity, and shaping the nation’s future.
Tinubu’s message was delivered by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 70th anniversary gala held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Describing the president as a long-standing ally of the media, Idris recalled Tinubu’s pro-democracy activism alongside journalists during the June 12 struggle. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just a friend of the media, but one whose democratic credentials were shaped in solidarity with Nigeria’s most courageous journalists,” he said.
The minister urged journalists to highlight Nigeria’s democratic progress and developmental achievements to help build public trust and national cohesion. He also expressed concern over the threats of disinformation, fake news, and the rise of deep fake technology, stating that “ethical journalism is not just important, it is essential.”
To address these challenges, Idris announced a partnership with UNESCO to establish the world’s first Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja. The centre, once operational, will promote media responsibility and digital literacy.
He further pledged the federal government’s support for journalists’ welfare, digital transformation, gender inclusion, and institutional development.
Veteran journalist and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba also spoke at the event, urging the government and NUJ to confront the growing problem of fake journalism. He called for an updated database of accredited journalists to help curb impersonation and safeguard professional standards.
“Mr. President, you have a challenge. We must identify and weed out those parading themselves falsely as journalists,” Osoba said, warning that the profession’s credibility was at stake.
Reflecting on his journey from analog to digital journalism, Osoba encouraged media practitioners to embrace change while upholding truth and accountability. “I was once an analog journalist, but today I can proudly tell you I’m a digital reporter,” he said.
NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, described the Union’s 70-year journey as one of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to national development. He reaffirmed the Union’s role in chronicling Nigeria’s most critical historical moments, from the civil war and military coups to democratic transitions.
“This anniversary is not just a look back, it’s a call to shape the future of ethical journalism and press freedom,” Yahaya stated. He also emphasized responsible reporting during conflict, urging journalists to “report with empathy, accuracy, and a sense of unity.”
Chair of the NUJ at 70 Organizing Committee, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, hailed the celebration as a landmark in the Union’s history. She expressed gratitude to stakeholders, media houses, and dignitaries for their support and coverage of the event.
“We’re especially thankful for the extensive live broadcast by NTA, AIT, FRCN, VON, TVC, Arise, and various online platforms that allowed Nigerians nationwide to participate,” she said.
Themed “Celebrating Seven Decades of Journalistic Excellence,” the event drew media executives, government officials, and press veterans in a colourful celebration of journalism’s legacy and impact. Awards were presented to select governors and journalists in recognition of their contributions to media development and peace building.
As the NUJ marks this historic milestone, the overarching message remains clear: while journalism must adapt to new realities, its core values, truth, integrity, and public service, must remain steadfast.
TINUBU: COMMIT YOURSELF TO ETHICAL JOURNALISM
