By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian media practitioners to freely criticise government policies while maintaining fairness, accuracy, and a sense of national responsibility.
Speaking at the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the President commended the media for its vital role in shaping public discourse and strengthening democracy. He, however, cautioned against using criticism to undermine national progress, urging journalists to remain partners in building a stronger and more united country.
“I urge you to continue upholding the standard of journalism — report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society,” Tinubu said.
The President also addressed the impact of social media on journalism, noting that while it has expanded citizen engagement, it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation. He emphasized that this development makes the editorial role more crucial than ever.
“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher,” he said. “This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle, and professional judgment must be your guide.”
