The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged journalists across the country to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, warning against the use of media platforms to undermine national institutions.
The minister gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja at the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards, held alongside the unveiling of the special 10th anniversary commemorative edition of Emporium Magazine.
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Ndache, Idris stressed that the media has a critical role in safeguarding national stability, noting that the survival of media organisations is closely tied to the nation’s survival.
“Every media organisation’s survival depends on the survival of the country. Supporting national interest and national cause shouldn’t be seen as doing something wrong; you’re doing the right thing,” Ndache quoted the minister as saying.
He also reminded journalists of the prestige attached to the profession, urging practitioners not to allow unqualified individuals to dictate the direction of journalism.
“Journalism is a profession of respect,” he said, adding that criticism of government and public figures should always be carried out with decorum and professionalism.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” Publisher of World Entourage Magazine, Abdullahi Haruna, described the digital media revolution as both an opportunity and a challenge.
“While digital media has democratized access to information, it has also democratized access to misinformation. While it has amplified voices, it has also amplified falsehoods,” he said.
Haruna identified credibility as the greatest challenge confronting the media ecosystem, stressing that public trust remains the foundation of democratic governance.
“Without trust, democracy weakens. Without credibility, journalism loses relevance. Without verified facts, governance becomes difficult,” he stated.
He called for a coordinated response, urging government to protect press freedom, media organisations to reinforce ethical standards, technology companies to tackle misinformation, educational institutions to promote media literacy, and journalists to recommit themselves to truth and accuracy.
In her remarks, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, congratulated the Emporium team on its milestone and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting media organisations that “choose truth over traffic and accountability over applause.”
Earlier, Publisher of Emporium Magazine and Emporium Online, Lukman Laleye Babalola, described the event as an opportunity to reflect on a decade of purposeful journalism and chart a new course for the future.
“For the past 10 years, we have remained committed to telling stories that matter, celebrating achievements, amplifying impactful voices and contributing to constructive national discourse,” he said.
Babalola acknowledged the growing challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, sensationalism and declining public trust, stressing the need for credible communication as Nigeria strengthens its democratic institutions.
The event brought together policymakers, media practitioners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to examine how digital media can deepen democracy, promote national cohesion and support sustainable development. Awards were also presented to deserving individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions.
