Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Editors to rid media space of the ills of fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, which portend great danger to the country.
The President ably represented by the Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris disclosed this at the Nigeria Editors Conference organised by Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Tinubu said, “we’re faced with the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and false narratives which threaten the fabric of our society.”
He said, “it is our collective duty to combat this menace. Through fact-checking, responsible reporting, promoting media and digital literacy, we can fortify our defenses against the corrosive effects of fake news”.
Tinubu revealed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is working to change the narrative through implementation of a sustained mass reorientation campaign that aims to foster unity, patriotism, and the promotion of positive cultural values among Nigerians.
“We will seek to collectively reorient ourselves as Nigerians, in the direction of a stronger sense of national identity and shared values. I will therefore appeal to our editors to support the campaign for moral rectitude among Nigerians”, he said.
The President pressed further that timely and accurate reporting helps businesses make informed decisions, fostering a conducive environment for growth, urging them to provide positive media coverage that can enhance investor confidence and attract the needed investments that fuel economic development in our county.
“The media’s role in portraying a favorable business environment contributes to the stability of financial markets. Due to your role in setting agenda for the government, the Media on its own can advocate for policies that promote economic growth technological progress and follow up on these advocacies through robust engagement on your various platforms”.
He restated the commitment of his administration to a free and robust media without any intention to stifle press freedom. “But we will expect you to operate within the framework of the ethics of journalism and to conduct your activities with utmost sense of duty, patriotism and responsibility”.
Speaking of the choice of the theme of this year’s ANEC, Stimulating Growth, Technological Advancement, Tinubu noted the role of the Media, is an indication of the interest of the NGE in the search for a more enduring nation, as the economic situation is an issue that must be of concern to all.
Adding that the strategic importance of inviting global and local institutions to partner with the Federal Government towards the growth and development of Nigeria is commendable.
“In this regard, it is pertinent to state that since the inception of the present administration on May 29, 2023, we have swung into action with strategic policies aimed at boosting our economy.
“The removal of subsidy on petrol and the convergence of the foreign exchange rate were inevitable decisions to save economy from suffocation. Though Nigerians are going through tough times in the short term, it is a necessary sacrifice that we must make to guarantee a better future.
“That is why we have put in place palliatives and other measures to cushion the effect of these hard times, which is a bridge to the renewed hope agenda, where we will all have lasting smiles on our faces as we turn the tide together”.
The President further said the feedback from this conference will no doubt contribute to the quest to achieve a better Nigeria. “I am acutely aware that this year’s conference is unique as it coincides with the launch of the Guild of Editors Media Trust Fund, which is aimed at engendering a robust conversation on the state of the nation’s economy.
“Because of the unique role the Nigerian Media plays in our democracy and our economy, it enjoys a pride of place in our country’s constitution as encapsulated in Chapter 2 Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“Due to technological advancement in this digital age, where information flows ceaselessly, the responsibility placed on the shoulders of editors is burdensome. Power to influence opinions, to illuminate truth, and to guide public discourse rests within the words you choose, the stories you tell, and the perspectives you highlight.
“The convergence of traditional and digital media provides us with new avenues to engage and inform the public. Let us therefore explore these tools in order to bridge gaps, amplify voices, and foster a more informed citizenry and inclusive society”, Tinubu implored.
The President congratulated the Guild on this 19th ANEC and use this opportunity to restate his commitment to the freedom of the press and the provision of the necessary environment to enable the media to perform its constitutionally assigned role of holding the government accountable.