Ethical, Balanced Journalism Essential To Northern Nigeria’s Future – Minister

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged media professionals in Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism. He said the region’s future will depend not only on infrastructure and economic development but also on the narratives projected about its people and opportunities.

Idris made the call yesterday in a keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit held in Kano.

Speaking on the theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” the minister said the media remains a critical institution for shaping public opinion, preserving culture, strengthening democracy, 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,” he said.

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

“The theme of this summit reminds us that democracy works best when government is accountable, citizens participate responsibly, and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

These are partners in building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he stated.

The minister noted that while digital technology has expanded opportunities for communication and economic growth, it has 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,” Idris said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to protecting press freedom and fostering constructive engagement with the media.

“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 added.

Idris urged journalists to present a more balanced narrative of Northern Nigeria, reporting not only on security challenges but also on the region’s achievements and opportunities.

“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 achievements under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said investments in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms are creating opportunities across the country.

He 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 transportation, energy and logistics as initiatives expected to stimulate growth, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The minister also highlighted two major initiatives of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation—the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform.

According to him, the initiatives will strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs, promote local content and position Nigeria as a leader in combating misinformation and disinformation.

He called on media practitioners to use their platforms to inspire confidence and foster unity by telling stories of innovation, resilience and enterprise.

“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 urged.