By Our Correspondent
KANO — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on media professionals across Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible journalism, stressing that the region's future will be determined not only by investments in infrastructure and economic development but also by the narratives projected about its people and immense potential.
Speaking on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, the minister said the media has a critical responsibility in shaping public perception, promoting national unity, attracting investment and preserving the region's cultural heritage.
"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," Idris said.
The summit, themed "Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice," brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, communication experts and policymakers to deliberate on the evolving role of the media in nation-building.
According to the minister, democracy thrives when governments remain accountable, citizens participate responsibly and the media faithfully performs its constitutional responsibility with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
He described the media as one of the most influential institutions in society, capable of shaping public opinion, strengthening democratic governance and fostering economic growth through credible reporting.
Addressing the challenges posed by the digital age, Idris warned that the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation threatens social cohesion and informed public discourse, noting that professional journalism has become even more indispensable.
"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," he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protecting press freedom and maintaining constructive engagement with media organisations.
He assured journalists that the Federal Government would continue to provide an enabling environment for media practitioners to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without hindrance.
"We remain committed to upholding press freedom as a pillar of democracy and to creating an enabling environment where journalists can carry out their duties professionally. Democracy flourishes when citizens are well informed, and the media performs its watchdog role responsibly," he added.
Idris urged journalists to move beyond the dominant narratives of insecurity often associated with Northern Nigeria by highlighting the region's growing achievements in agriculture, innovation, entrepreneurship, education and community development.
He observed that while security challenges remain real, they should not overshadow the stories of resilience and progress unfolding across the region.
"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.
Highlighting key achievements under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said ongoing investments in critical infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms are creating new opportunities across the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Among the flagship initiatives, he listed the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, as well as investments in rail transportation, energy and logistics aimed at accelerating inclusive national development.
The minister also announced two landmark initiatives under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation—the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the rollout of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform.
According to him, both initiatives are designed to strengthen media literacy, promote responsible journalism, improve access to quality broadcasting, stimulate job creation, encourage local content production and position Nigeria as a continental leader in combating misinformation and disinformation.
Calling on media practitioners to become partners in national development, Idris urged journalists to consciously amplify stories that inspire confidence while remaining faithful to the truth.
"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," he charged.
The inaugural Arewa Media Summit was convened by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz and attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the media and communication sector.
Among dignitaries present were the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; representatives of the governors of Yobe State and Kebbi State; the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun; President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya; and the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, alongside other government officials, media executives and communication professionals.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government, citizens and the media to promote accountability, strengthen democratic institutions and project a more balanced and accurate image of Northern Nigeria to the rest of the country and the international community.
