The federal government is calling on Nigerian journalists to actively use their platforms to counter the activities of terrorists and bandits, arguing the media has a critical role to play in denying violent extremists the publicity they seek.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the appeal at the maiden Arewa Media Summit in Kano, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment. He said democracy thrives when government stays transparent, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism and fairness, warning that while the digital revolution has turned every smartphone into a broadcasting platform, that same technology has also accelerated the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of threatening national unity and public confidence.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, who conceived the summit, said the goal was to strengthen dialogue between government, citizens and the media around accountability, responsibility and ethical communication, arguing government must provide timely and transparent information, citizens must engage constructively and the media must serve as a factual, balanced bridge between leaders and the public. He also urged social media influencers, who command enormous audiences, to verify information before publishing and avoid content likely to deepen divisions, especially with the 2027 general election approaching.
