By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals across Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region’s future will depend not only on physical development but also on the narratives projected about its people and opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano on Monday, the Minister said the media has a critical role to play in shaping public perception, strengthening democracy, preserving culture, attracting investment and promoting national unity.
“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.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” the Minister noted that democracy thrives when government remains accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media carries out its constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
He warned that while advances in digital technology have expanded communication and economic opportunities, they have 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.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to protecting press freedom and fostering constructive engagement with the media, describing a free and responsible press as a cornerstone of 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 stated.
Idris also urged journalists to project a more balanced image of Northern Nigeria by reporting not only its security challenges but also its achievements and emerging opportunities.
According to him, the region is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people making meaningful contributions to national development, whose success stories deserve greater media attention.
Highlighting the achievements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister cited the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and ongoing investments in rail, energy and logistics as major initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and development, particularly across Northern Nigeria.
He also announced two landmark initiatives under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation—the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the rollout of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform—which he said would strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, promote local content and support the fight against misinformation.
Calling on journalists to contribute positively to nation-building, Idris urged media practitioners to spotlight stories of innovation, enterprise and resilience across the region.
“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 inaugural Arewa Media Summit, convened by Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers from across the country.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; the Executive Governor of Yobe State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje; the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK; the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun; the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya; and the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, among other notable guests.
