President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, charged editors across the country to uphold the highest standards of truth, fairness, and national responsibility in their work, saying that democracy flourishes only when public discourse is anchored on integrity and constructive engagement rather than cynicism and despair.
Speaking while declaring open the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the President reminded media leaders that their role in shaping national understanding and sustaining cohesion remains indispensable to the country’s democratic journey.
Tinubu said the theme of this year’s conference, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” was both timely and essential, as it invites reflection on how journalism can strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in national institutions.
“The theme you have chosen invites us to reflect on the state of our democracy and the ways in which public discourse can either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold our nation together,” the President told the editors. “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.”
He recalled the historic contributions of the Nigerian press to the nation’s political evolution, noting that journalism in the country has long been a tool of national awakening — from the anti-colonial struggles to the fight against military dictatorship.
“Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession. It has been an instrument of national awakening,” he said. “Many journalists endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good. Their sacrifices are part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today. We honour them not only in memory but also by remaining committed to the values they upheld.”
The President warned, however, that freedom secured through such struggle must be exercised responsibly, adding that the editorial function must serve as the anchor of truth in an era overwhelmed by misinformation and social media distortions.
“Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak,” he observed. “Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle and professional judgement must be your guide.”
Tinubu urged editors to report boldly but truthfully, stressing that constructive criticism strengthens democracy while cynicism weakens public confidence.
“Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve,” he said. “Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic stability, national security, and inclusive growth, Tinubu said ongoing reforms were designed to place the economy on a more resilient footing and restore investor confidence.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing,” he noted. “We have taken steps to restore macroeconomic balance, encourage investment and rebuild confidence. The signs of progress are visible in several sectors, and we remain focused on ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.”
The President emphasised that beyond economic recovery, nation-building requires trust and cooperation among all sectors — government, private institutions, civil society, and the media.
“Nation-building requires cooperation. It requires trust. It requires a shared understanding that our future is tied together,” he stated. “Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. The stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people influence the country we become.”
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for sustaining a long tradition of professional reflection and pledged continued partnership with the media in the shared task of advancing democracy and promoting unity.
“I urge you to continue to exercise your responsibility with seriousness and honour,” he said. “Your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will all help shape the direction of our national journey.”
The President wished the editors fruitful deliberations and expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference would enrich the country’s democratic experience.
