Information Minister Urges Northern Journalists to Promote Ethical Reporting, Balanced Narratives
Information Minister Urges Northern Journalists to Promote Ethical Reporting, Balanced Narratives
Information Minister Urges Northern Journalists to Promote Ethical Reporting, Balanced Narratives
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals in Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region’s future will be shaped not only by development but also by the stories told about its people and potential.
Speaking on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, the minister said the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, preserving culture, strengthening democracy, attracting investment and promoting national unity.
He noted that the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” highlights the importance of accountability, responsible citizenship and professional journalism in building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.
Idris warned that the rapid growth of digital technology has increased the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making professional journalism more important than ever.
He urged journalists to remain committed to accuracy, fairness, verification and responsible reporting while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom and constructive engagement with the media.
According to him, democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed and journalists perform their watchdog role with professionalism and integrity.
The minister also encouraged media practitioners to present a more balanced image of Northern Nigeria by highlighting the region’s achievements alongside its security challenges.
He said the North is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people making meaningful contributions to national development, adding that such stories deserve greater attention.
Highlighting the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris pointed to ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms, including the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and investments in rail, energy and logistics.
He also highlighted the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform, describing both initiatives as key steps toward strengthening responsible journalism, expanding access to quality broadcasting, creating jobs and combating misinformation.
The minister urged journalists to tell stories that inspire hope while remaining truthful, calling for greater coverage of the achievements of innovators, farmers and entrepreneurs across Northern Nigeria.
The inaugural Arewa Media Summit, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, representatives of the governors of Yobe and Kebbi states, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, and other senior government officials.
Information Minister Urges Northern Journalists to Promote Ethical Reporting, Balanced Narratives
