Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the central role of the Nigerian media in nation-building, democratic consolidation, and fostering national unity, calling on journalists to recommit to ethical journalism in the digital age.
Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 70th Anniversary Gala, Award Night, and Book Presentation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, President Tinubu described the media as a vital partner in shaping Nigeria’s progress.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just a friend of the media; he is a product of its resilience,” Idris declared. “From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to Aso Rock, his alliance with the press has remained unshaken.”
The Minister, who also served as Chief Host at the event held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, called on media practitioners to highlight Nigeria’s democratic milestones, governance reforms, and development gains, urging them to serve as torchbearers of hope and accountability.
He cautioned against the growing threats of disinformation, deepfakes, and the ethical risks posed by artificial intelligence, noting that the integrity of journalism is more critical now than ever.
To combat these challenges, Idris revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with UNESCO, is establishing the world’s first Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja a move he said will promote digital literacy and responsible media practices nationwide.
“When fully operational, this Institute will become a center for nurturing ethical journalism and informed citizenship in Nigeria,” he announced.
He further pledged government collaboration with the NUJ in areas of media digitization, journalist welfare, gender inclusion, and institutional support.
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Also speaking, elder statesman and veteran journalist Chief Olusegun Osoba urged President Tinubu and the NUJ to address the rising infiltration of fake journalists in the industry.
“We urgently need a credible, verifiable database of true NUJ members,” Osoba insisted. “If we don’t weed out impostors, we risk losing the profession’s credibility.”
He described the NUJ as the “mother body” of journalism in Nigeria and urged the Union to uphold professional standards while adapting to technological change.
“I started as an analog journalist, but today, I’m fully digital,” Osoba said. “We must evolve with the times, without compromising on truth and public interest.”
In his address, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya described the Union’s 70-year journey as a beacon of professionalism and national service.
He said the NUJ, founded on March 15, 1955, has evolved from a welfare-focused platform into a vital voice in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Our 70th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past,” Yahaya noted.
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“It’s a call to action for the future — one rooted in ethical journalism, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for press freedom.”
He reaffirmed the Union’s dedication to democratic values and called on journalists to maintain accuracy and empathy, especially in conflict reporting.
Chairperson of the NUJ @ 70 Organising Committee, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, lauded the successful turnout and extensive media coverage of the event.
“This celebration is a testament to the enduring spirit of the NUJ,” she said, extending gratitude to media houses, government dignitaries, and former leaders of NUJ an This occasion exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the NUJ, she expressed, acknowledging the pivotal contributions of media entities, esteemed government officials, and past luminaries of both NUJ and NAWOJ. As we reflect on the remarkable journey thus far, it is evident that collaboration and dedication continue to propel the noble mission of fostering journalistic excellence and upholding the values of the Fourth Estate. d NAWOJ.
Live coverage by NTA, AIT, FRCN, VON, TVC, Arise News, and multiple digital platforms brought the event to a nationwide audience.
The event, themed “Celebrating Seven Decades of Journalistic Excellence”, was graced by top government officials, media executives, veteran journalists, and union leaders.
Awards were presented to select state governors for media-friendly governance, and distinguished journalists were honoured for lifetime contributions to the profession.
As the curtain closed on the platinum jubilee, one message rang clear: while the tools of journalism may change, its mission to inform, empower, and protect democracy must remain constant.
