President Bola Tinubu expressed concern about the pervasive false narratives and misinformation in the country, stating that this trend poses a threat to the fabric of Nigerian society. He made these remarks while inaugurating the 19th Nigeria Editors Conference 2023 at Ibom Icon Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, under the theme “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: The role of the media” on Wednesday. The president acknowledged the Editors for their contributions to the fight for Nigerian democracy.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the president highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to address the systemic moral decline in the country. He emphasized the implementation of a sustained mass reorientation campaign aimed at fostering unity, patriotism, and the promotion of positive values among Nigerians. President Tinubu called on the Nigeria Editors to actively support the campaign for moral rectitude in the country.
He stated, “We are faced with the proliferation of misinformation and false narratives which threaten the fabric of our society. It is our collective duty to combat this menace through fact-checking, responsible reporting, and promoting media and digital literacy with which we can fortify our defenses against the corrosive effects of a false narrative.”
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State urged the Nigerian Guild of Editors to play a role in promoting good governance through their reportage, fostering the country’s democracy. He emphasized the need for a media approach that is developmental-oriented, holding leaders accountable without being overly obtrusive.
Eze Anaba, the president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, in his welcome address, emphasized the conference’s role in contributing to the growth and development of both the media industry and the country. Anaba urged colleagues to provide balanced, accurate, factual, and fair reports, utilizing fact-checking tools to disseminate editorial products effectively.
Sam Amuka Pemu, the chairman of the conference and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, lamented the critical economic situation in the country. He reminded the Editors to be vigilant in disseminating information and to uphold the principles of a free press, emphasizing that “a free press is like oxygen to a democracy.” Amuka Pemu urged political actors not to suppress the press and to respect freedom of expression and media freedom.
Quest: Ezimekume Dominion.