Ethical Journalism Key to Northern Nigeria’s Future, Information Minister Tells Media

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media practitioners in Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, saying the region’s future will depend not only on development projects but also on the quality of the stories told about its people, opportunities and aspirations.

Speaking on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris said the media occupies a strategic position in shaping public perception, promoting national unity, attracting investment and strengthening democratic governance.

 “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,” the minister said. 

He noted that the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” underscores the importance of collaboration between government, citizens and the media in building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

According to him, democracy thrives when governments remain accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional watchdog role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

Idris warned that while digital technology has expanded opportunities for communication and economic growth, it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making professional journalism more critical than ever. 

“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 Federal Government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and maintaining constructive engagement with media organisations. 

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties professionally, stressing that a well-informed citizenry is fundamental to democratic governance.

 Idris also challenged journalists to project a more balanced image of Northern Nigeria by highlighting the region’s achievements alongside its security challenges.

According to him, Northern Nigeria is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people making significant contributions to national development, adding that these positive stories deserve greater attention. 

“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. These stories deserve to be told alongside the challenges because they present a fuller and more accurate picture of our region,” he said. 

Highlighting some of the Federal Government’s ongoing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister cited investments in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms aimed at driving inclusive growth across the country. 

He specifically referenced the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as well as ongoing investments in rail transportation, energy and logistics.

Idris also highlighted two flagship 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.

He said the initiatives are expected to strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create employment opportunities, promote local content and position Nigeria as a leader in combating misinformation and disinformation. 

Calling on journalists to contribute to national development through constructive reporting, the minister urged media professionals to tell stories that inspire confidence without sacrificing truth.

“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 the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers.

Among those in attendance were Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje; Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Ahmed; Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga; Special Assistant to the President on Social Media Dada Olusegun; President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya; and the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, among other dignitaries.