President Bola Tinubu has called on the Nigerian media to prioritise professionalism and constructive engagement in the discharge of its responsibilities, urging journalists to avoid unnecessary hostility and sensational reporting.
The President made the appeal while speaking at the maiden State House Media Dinner, where he described the media as a vital pillar of democracy and an essential partner in Nigeria’s development.
Addressing members of the State House Press Corps, Tinubu apologised for the delay in hosting the event, explaining that the demands of governance and frequent adjustments to official schedules had prevented it from holding earlier.
He commended journalists covering the Presidency for their commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about the activities and policies of his administration.
The President also assured media practitioners that his government would continue to uphold press freedom by providing journalists with the access, resources and constitutional protections required to carry out their duties effectively.
Describing himself as “an apostle of a free press,” Tinubu said he had consistently defended media freedom throughout his political career and remained committed to protecting journalists’ rights.
He, however, stressed that press freedom must be exercised responsibly, noting that journalism comes with a duty to uphold accuracy, fairness and accountability.
According to the President, democracy depends on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of association, adding that a free and responsible media remains indispensable to the growth and stability of any democratic society.
Tinubu urged media professionals to replace what he described as needless hostility with constructive engagement and to embrace professionalism over sensationalism in reporting, saying responsible journalism is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
