Journalists have been urged to uphold ethical media practice, with a renewed commitment to accuracy, verification, fairness and responsible reporting while holding government accountable without compromising objectivity.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call during the inaugural Arewa Media Summit held at the Government House, Kano.
Speaking on the theme, “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” Idris said democracy thrives when governments remain accountable, citizens participate responsibly in governance and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity
According to the minister, the future of Northern Nigeria will be shaped not only by investments in infrastructure but also by the quality of ideas and narratives promoted by the media.
He described Kano as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria with one of the country’s most vibrant media environments, noting that its numerous radio stations and the Kannywood film industry have remained major platforms for information dissemination, cultural preservation and economic development.
Idris warned that the digital revolution has transformed every smartphone into a newsroom, making the spread of misinformation and disinformation a major threat to public trust, investment and national security.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, the minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to providing an enabling environment for journalists and strengthening engagement with media stakeholders
The minister commended the convener, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, for bringing together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics and policymakers to deliberate on the future of the region’s media landscape.
Declaring the summit open, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the summit as an important platform for media professionals to exchange ideas on strengthening governance, accountability and public trust.
He said a well-informed citizenry remains fundamental to democracy and urged journalists to uphold professionalism, ethics and patriotism while performing their watchdog role.
The governor said his administration has introduced several initiatives to strengthen media practice in the state, including the appointment of more than 150 Senior Special Reporters and Special Reporters across ministries, departments, agencies and the 44 local government areas.
He said the initiative has enhanced public communication, increased citizens’ participation in governance and brought more young people into public service, while also strengthening partnerships with media organisations, supporting capacity-building programmes and promoting responsible digital communication.
Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and transparent governance, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, and lauded the summit’s convener, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, for initiating the platform.