President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to use their platforms to foster peace, unity, and national development.
Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 70th Anniversary Award Night and Book Launch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the media to thrive.
According to the Minister, “From being in the trenches alongside Nigeria’s most courageous journalists in the fight for the actualisation of June 12, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu possesses an affinity with the Nigerian press that is unparalleled in the history of the Nigerian presidency.”
He emphasized that a vibrant and responsible press is essential for the growth of democracy and the promotion of national cohesion.
“As a government, we are looking at that seriously, especially how to sanitise the social media space without gagging the freedom of expression,” Idris said. “That’s why UNESCO is taking the lead.”
The event, themed “Celebrating 70 Years of Journalistic Excellence and the Future of the Nigerian Press,” marked a major milestone in the history of the NUJ and celebrated decades of media contributions to Nigeria’s progress.
The Minister further charged the media to take ownership of its image and storytelling: “I am of the strong view that the media profession must always remember to tell its own stories and shape its narratives; no one else will do it for us.”
Several distinguished Nigerians were honoured at the event, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and the late former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Other notable attendees included the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama; FRCN Director of News, Hussaina Akila; and former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
