By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged journalists and media practitioners in Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region’s future will depend not only on infrastructure and economic development but also on the narratives told about its people and opportunities.
Speaking on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris said the media has a crucial role in shaping public opinion, promoting national unity, attracting investment and strengthening democracy.
“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,” the minister said.
He noted that the summit’s theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” underscores the importance of collaboration between government, citizens and the media in building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“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,” Idris stated.
The minister warned that the rise of digital technology has significantly increased the spread of misinformation and disinformation, making professional journalism more critical than ever.
“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,” he said.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can perform their constitutional duties without hindrance.
“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.
The minister also challenged journalists to portray Northern Nigeria in a more balanced light by highlighting the region’s achievements alongside its challenges.
“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 the achievements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris pointed to investments in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms, including 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, energy and logistics.
He also announced two major initiatives under 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, both initiatives are designed to strengthen responsible journalism, improve access to quality broadcasting, create jobs, promote local content and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat misinformation and disinformation.
In his closing remarks, Idris called on media practitioners to become partners in national development by telling stories that inspire hope while remaining truthful.
“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.
The inaugural Arewa Media Summit, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, attracted journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication experts and policymakers.
Among dignitaries present were Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; representatives of the governors of Yobe and Kebbi states; the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun; the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya; and other government officials and media stakeholders.
