President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists and media professionals to take an active part in consolidating the country’s democracy rather than weakening it.

He made the appeal while inaugurating the Annual Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President encouraged the editors to maintain the utmost principles of ethical journalism to enhance democratic governance and foster national unity.

He applauded the Guild for sustaining its tradition of reflection and professional engagement, describing the media as central to the preservation of democracy and national unity.‎

“It is my privilege to welcome you to the State House for this year’s Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Your presence here reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the exploding speed of information dissemination, especially via social media and cautioned against misinformation and falsehoods. “Verification must be your anchor. Balance must be your principle. And provisional judgment must be your guide,” he said, appealing to the media to “report boldly, but do so truthfully” and to “criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness.”

President Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to national security, economic stability and widening opportunities for all citizens. He asserted that these reforms, though challenging, are meant to build a “strong and resilient economy” and encouraged media contributions toward fostering a climate of reason, unity, and hope for Nigeria’s future.

Importantly, Tinubu endorsed several media-focused reforms proposed at the conference, including corporate tax relief, VAT exemptions from media taxes, affordable loans from developmental organizations, grants for digitization, and the repeal of laws inhibiting press freedom. “As your president, I endorse this proposals,” but insisted that there were part of the tax reforms and that their request was in his pocket.

Addressing concerns about political narratives surrounding elections, particularly the Anambra election, the President urged media practitioners to be cautious about premature accusations like “vote buying” that can harm the country’s image and urged a collective effort to build “a nation of credibility with integrity.”

He concluded by urging the media to exercise their power “with seriousness and honour,” choosing “clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair,” reinforcing that “the stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people influence the country we would become.”

He said the theme of the conference, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, was timely, urging editors to use their influence to strengthen public trust and deepen civic responsibility.‎

He reminded journalists of their pivotal role in nation-building, saying the Nigerian press had historically defended truth and democracy even under repressive regimes.

“Freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise.”

Tinubu warned against the dangers of misinformation, especially in the age of social media, stressing that verification, balance and professional judgment must guide editorial decisions.

“Report boldly, but 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,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security, economic stability and inclusive growth through reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

“Nation-building requires cooperation, trust and a shared understanding that our future is tied together. Government has its role. The media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed the historic nature of the event, noting that it was the first time a sitting President attended the Guild’s annual conference.‎

He described Tinubu as “a personification of resilience and democratic struggle,” recalling his long-standing support for press freedom and democratic ideals.‎

Idris said the administration had fostered an egalitarian media environment with over 1,000 licensed broadcasting stations operating freely across Nigeria without harassment or closure.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, no media house has been threatened, gagged, or shut down for expressing dissent. This reflects our conscious commitment to the constitutional principles of press freedom,” the minister said.

He urged editors to partner with government in telling the Nigerian story with truth, balance and optimism, adding that constructive criticism was vital to the nation’s renewal.