Arewa Media Summit: Minister Urges Northern Media to Promote Ethical Journalism, Balanced Reporting

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals in Northern Nigeria to u...

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals in Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, saying the region's future will be shaped not only by development projects but also by the narratives projected about its people and potential.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Minister's Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano.

"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 was quoted as saying.

Speaking on the theme of the summit, "Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice," Idris said democracy thrives when governments are accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

He described the media as a powerful institution capable of shaping public opinion, attracting investment, preserving culture, strengthening democracy and promoting national unity.

The minister, however, expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era, stressing that professional journalism remains indispensable.

"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.

Idris also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to press freedom and constructive engagement with the media, saying journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities in an enabling environment.

He urged media practitioners to present a balanced picture of Northern Nigeria by reporting not only the region's security challenges but also its achievements and opportunities.

According to him, Northern Nigeria is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people making significant contributions to development, adding that such stories deserve wider coverage.

The minister highlighted key achievements of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and investments in rail transportation, energy and logistics aimed at stimulating economic growth.

He also listed the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform as major initiatives of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation designed to strengthen responsible journalism, improve broadcasting access and combat misinformation.

Calling on journalists to contribute to national development, Idris urged them to tell stories that inspire confidence 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 said.

The statement said the summit, convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers.

Among dignitaries at the event were Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje; Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK; the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and other senior government officials and media stakeholders.