By Barth Ikiebe.
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to exercise their influence with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty, emphasizing that responsible journalism is vital to sustaining democracy and promoting national cohesion.
Declaring open the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, President Tinubu said freedom gained through struggle “is not self-sustaining”, adding that it must be constantly protected through truth, balance, and professional integrity.
“A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws but also by the integrity of public conversation. This is where your role becomes central and indispensable,” the President said.
He cautioned against cynicism and divisive reporting, warning that misinformation in the digital age poses a grave threat to national unity.
“The editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor, balance your principle, and professional judgment your guide,” Tinubu advised.
The Presiden, however,tcommended Nigerian journalists for their historic role in defending democracy and human rights during difficult political periods, noting that their courage continues to strengthen the nation.
“Journalism in Nigeria has always been more than a profession; it has been an instrument of national awakening,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the economy, encouraging investment, and deepening reforms that will improve the daily lives of Nigerians,stressing that national development requires cooperation and trust between the government, the media, and other sectors.
“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. The stories we tell ourselves as a nation shape the country we become,” he concluded.
Our correspondent reports that the conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” brought together governors, legislators, media executives, and communication experts from across the country.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, delivering the keynote address, reminded editors that history will judge their role in sustaining democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“You are not spectators in 2027. You are active participants. The narratives you shape will determine whether Nigerians approach the elections with hope or cynicism,” he said.
Uzodimma described the media as the “fourth estate of the realm,” warning that its coverage could either strengthen or erode public confidence in governance.
He commended President Tinubu for declaring the conference open, saying it demonstrated his commitment to transparency, media engagement, and tackling disinformation.
“When a sitting President dedicates time to address editors, it signals that disinformation, national unity, and responsible journalism are priorities of state,” Uzodimma noted.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba, urged President Tinubu to introduce fiscal and policy measures to support media survival, describing journalism as “a public good that must be protected, not punished.”
Anaba lamented that the economic and legal environment for journalism had become increasingly hostile, undermining the media’s constitutional duty as society’s watchdog.
“Without economic sustainability, our constitutional and social responsibilities become ineffectual,” he said.
He proposed several policy interventions, including temporary corporate tax reliefs, VAT exemptions on media inputs, tax incentives for advertisers, and the establishment of a Media Development Fund to promote digital innovation and newsroom transformation.
Anaba also recommended creating a low-interest loan scheme through the Bank of Industry or the Development Bank of Nigeria to help media organizations upgrade equipment and create jobs.
On the legal front, he called for the repeal of laws that restrict press freedom and advocated the creation of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter endorsed by the Presidency, Legislature, and Judiciary.
“When the press thrives, democracy breathes. When it is stifled, democracy suffocates,” Anaba declared.
He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to ethical reporting, continuous professional training, and the promotion of national unity.
“We are partners in progress, not adversaries. A free, responsible, and vibrant press remains the lifeblood of democracy,” he said.
Both Uzodimma and Anaba emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the moral courage of editors to speak truth to power without weaponising information.
The three-day conference, attended by over 400 editors, continues in Abuja on Thursday with panel discussions on media innovation, political accountability, and the future of journalism in the digital age.
Our correspondent reports that about 500 editors working in private and public media organizations through our the country are attending the event.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
