President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to uphold national interest through responsible reporting, urging the media to avoid amplifying the narratives of terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups seeking to undermine the country’s security and democratic stability.
Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Corps Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, the President emphasized that while press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy, it must be exercised with fairness, accuracy, and a strong sense of national responsibility.
“I made a commitment at the inauguration that I will do everything possible in my power to be consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” President Tinubu said. “You and I promised one another that we must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do.”
The President warned that sensational reporting capable of promoting the objectives of terrorists and criminal networks could weaken national unity and security.
“The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers. We must protect our nation. Tonight, we gather not as adversaries but as partners in the service of our democracy and our people.”
Press Freedom Must Be Matched With Responsibility
Decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom, stressing that these constitutional rights are accompanied by corresponding responsibilities.
He acknowledged that his administration has received both commendation and criticism from the media, noting that constructive journalism plays a vital role in helping citizens understand government policies and national priorities.
“You must provide context and help citizens understand not just what has changed, but where we are headed,” he stated.
Highlighting the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital era, the President urged journalists to prioritize truth and credibility over sensationalism.
“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation, and credibility over clickbait. Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead. Public trust is earned through fairness, accuracy, and responsibility.”
He also defended the Cybercrimes Act, explaining that the legislation is designed to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods and digital abuse rather than restrict legitimate press freedom.
Economic and Security Progress
President Tinubu used the occasion to highlight the progress of his administration’s economic reforms, stating that Nigeria has emerged from “the dark tunnel of uncertainty” and is beginning to witness the benefits of difficult policy decisions.
According to the President, public revenues have improved, foreign reserves have surpassed $50 billion, investor confidence has strengthened, and the oil and gas sector is attracting renewed investment.
On security, he said intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger inter-agency collaboration have led to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of communities previously affected by insecurity.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” he affirmed.»
Senior Government Officials Attend
The dinner was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside senior government officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal; ministers responsible for Finance, Education, Health, Agriculture, and Information; as well as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
In separate remarks, Akume, Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended President Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda, citing achievements in infrastructure, education, governance, and economic management during the administration’s first three years.
Mohammed Idris also urged journalists to exercise greater responsibility when reporting security-related issues, emphasizing that media coverage should strengthen national cohesion while remaining committed to truth, fairness, and professionalism.
He highlighted recent initiatives in the information sector, including the establishment of a UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy Institute and the launch of the Free TV digital broadcasting platform as evidence of the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape.
Call for Annual Government–Media Engagement
Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Dr. Emmanuel Anule, appealed to President Tinubu to institutionalise the Presidential Press Corps Dinner as an annual engagement between the Presidency and journalists.
He noted that regular interaction would foster dialogue, build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen collaboration between government and the media while reinforcing democratic accountability.
Anule reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to reporting presidential activities fairly, professionally, and based on verified facts.
Distinguished Nigerians Honoured
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Honourees included the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; industrialist Aliko Dangote; businessman Tony Elumelu; Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Former Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Segun Adeniyi, was recognised as the first Special Adviser to serve as Presidential Spokesman.
Additional award recipients included veteran Reuters correspondent Felix Onuah, honoured as the longest-serving State House Correspondent; Nicholas Okechukwu, recognised for distinguished service as a non-linear editor; the late Baba Ladan Abubakar, who received a posthumous award; and Dr. Emmanuel Anule, who received the Outstanding State House Press Corps Chairmanship Award.