Information Minister Urges Ethical Journalism, Balanced Reporting at Inaugural Arewa Media Summit
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals across Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical journalism, promote balanced reporting and use their platforms to strengthen national unity and development.
Speaking at the Arewa Media Summit on Monday holding at the Government House, Kano, the minister described the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” as timely, saying democracy thrives when governments are accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media operates with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
“The media is no longer merely an observer of society; it is one of the most powerful forces shaping public opinion, influencing investment, preserving culture, strengthening democracy and fostering national unity,” Idris said.
Warning against the growing threat of fake news, he noted that, “Falsehood often travels faster than truth. Misinformation and disinformation have become potent weapons capable of inflaming tensions, undermining trust, discouraging investment and even threatening national security.”
The minister urged journalists to remain committed to accuracy, verification and fairness while holding government accountable, stressing that “The enduring strength of journalism lies in its commitment to accuracy, fairness, verification, balance and responsibility.”
Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom, Idris said, “We recognise that a free, responsible and independent press is indispensable to good governance, transparency and public accountability.”
He also encouraged journalists to give prominence to stories of progress, saying Northern Nigeria should not be defined solely by insecurity.
“Northern Nigeria is far more than insecurity. It is a region of entrepreneurs building successful businesses, farmers feeding the nation, researchers making new discoveries, innovators developing digital solutions, artists promoting our culture and young people transforming their communities every day,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, rail development, investments in livestock, education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and ongoing security operations against terrorism and banditry.
He also announced that Nigeria now hosts the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 institute dedicated to media and information literacy, alongside the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) programme to expand digital broadcasting and local content production.
Addressing journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers and digital creators, the minister challenged them to tell more stories that showcase the region’s strengths.
“Tell the stories of our innovators. Tell the stories of our farmers. Tell the stories of our entrepreneurs. Tell the stories of our women. Tell the stories of our young people who are transforming communities every day. Tell stories that inspire confidence without abandoning truth. Tell stories that unite rather than divide,” he urged.
The inaugural Arewa Media Summit converged together media owners, journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators, academics and policymakers from across Northern Nigeria to deliberate on ethical media practice, accountability and the future of journalism in the region, and it’s being convened by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdul’aziz Abdul’aziz.
