The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on journalists in Northern Nigeria to embrace ethical, balanced and responsible reporting, saying the region’s future depends largely on the stories told about it.
Speaking on Monday at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris said development in the region would not only be measured by infrastructure but also by the quality of narratives shared about its people.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the media remains central to democracy, national unity and economic growth, urging practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness and verification in the face of rising misinformation online.
According to him, “Falsehood often travels faster than truth. That is why professional journalism has never been more important.”
Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom, noting that government will continue to support a conducive environment for journalists to operate responsibly.
He also urged reporters to balance narratives about Northern Nigeria, saying insecurity should not define the region alone.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting federal initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister listed infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms, including the NELFUND scheme and major highway projects.
He added that initiatives such as the International Media and Information Literacy Institute and the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform would strengthen responsible journalism and curb misinformation.
The summit was attended by dignitaries including Abba Kabir Yusuf, representatives of Yobe State and Kebbi State, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, policymakers, media executives and digital creators.
