President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian media professionals to prioritize factual reporting and uphold the highest standards of integrity to support national development efforts. Speaking at the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the President emphasized the media’s critical role in shaping public perception and fostering unity amidst Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
The conference, themed “Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country,” brought together media owners, editors, and stakeholders, who called on President Tinubu to address the struggles facing the media industry amid Nigeria’s economic hardship. President Tinubu, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, commended the media’s potential to shape public understanding and bridge the gap between the government and the public.
“As editors and media managers, your role in national development cannot be overemphasized,” Tinubu said. “You are the custodians of public perception, the gatekeepers of information, and the voice of the people.”
He called on the media to report truthfully, helping Nigerians understand the government’s efforts to address the nation’s challenges, particularly those affecting the economy and daily life. President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities, ensuring Nigeria’s vast resources bring prosperity to all.
“Together, with a united effort from government, citizens, and the media, we can build a resilient, diversified economy that offers security, opportunity, and hope for all Nigerians,” he added.
Tinubu also underscored Nigeria’s potential to become one of the world’s most prosperous nations, citing its abundant natural and human resources. “This is the question I believe Nigerians elected me to answer decisively. And it is the question that fuels my vision for a country that truly lives up to its full potential,” he said.
The conference highlighted the vital role of a responsible and robust media in fostering national development, with calls for increased support to strengthen the sector as Nigeria navigates economic challenges.
