.…says ‘Poverty not our milestone’
President Bola Tinubu has urged media practitioners in Nigeria to freely criticise government policies but to do so with fairness, and a sense of national responsibility.
The President made the call on Wednesday at the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja, where he acknowledged the vital role of the media in shaping public discourse and strengthening democracy.
Tinubu noted that criticism should not be used to undermine the nation’s progress, as the media must remain partners in building a stronger and more united country.
“I urge you to continue upholding the standard of journalism — report boldly, but do so truthfully.
“Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society,” he said.
Tinubu stated that while social media is enhancing citizen journalism, it also increases the speed of misinformation.
He said that in such an environment, the editorial function becomes more important, pointing out the critical principles of verification and balance as guides for journalists.
“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher.
“This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak.
“In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle, and professional judgement must be your guide,” Tinubu said.
Poverty not our milestone — Tinubu
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will overcome its current economic challenges.
The President made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE Conference.
According to him, poverty would not define Nigeria’s future.
“We may be poor; poverty is not going to be our milestone. We are going to come out of it,” he said.
Tinubu further stated that, although the reforms his administration had undertaken were challenging, they were designed to place Nigeria’s economy on a strong and enduring footing.
He maintained that every stakeholder, especially the media, has a role to play in improving the country.
