?The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals in Northern Nigeria to uphold ethical, balanced, and responsible journalism, emphasizing that the region's future will be shaped not only by infrastructural development but also by the narratives told about its people and potential.
Speaking on Monday at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris noted that the media remains one of the most powerful forces for shaping public opinion, attracting investment, preserving culture, strengthening democracy, and promoting national unity.
He remarked, "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."
?Addressing the summit's theme, 'Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,' the Minister highlighted that democracy functions best when government remains accountable, citizens participate responsibly, and the press operates with fairness and integrity.
While acknowledging that digital technology has spurred communication and economic growth, he warned against the accelerated spread of misinformation. "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," Idris stated, while reaffirming the Tinubu Administration's commitment to upholding press freedom and maintaining an enabling environment for journalists.
?The Minister urged the press to look beyond regional challenges and capture a fuller, more accurate picture of Northern Nigeria.
"Northern Nigeria is far more than insecurity. It is home to entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists, and young people who are transforming their communities every day. These stories deserve to be told alongside the challenges because they present a fuller and more accurate picture of our region," he said.
He further encouraged practitioners to "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."
?Highlighting achievements under the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris cited critical investments in infrastructure, education, security, and economic reforms aimed at unlocking regional opportunities.
He pointed to the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and ongoing rail and energy initiatives. Additionally, he spotlighted two major milestones under his ministry,
the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform, stating, "These initiatives will strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs, promote local content and position Nigeria as a leader in the fight against misinformation and disinformation."
?The inaugural summit, convened by Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, served as a major gathering for journalists, filmmakers, digital creators, academics, and policymakers.
The high-profile event drew key dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; representatives for the governors of Yobe and Kebbi states; the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; and the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, among other notable public officials.
