Journalism must preserve truth, not chase clicks — Information Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerian journalists to uphold professionalism, consistency and ethical standards, warning against allowing unqualified individuals to define the journalism profession.

The minister also stressed that the survival of media organisations is closely tied to the survival and stability of the nation.

Represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the minister made the remarks on Thursday at the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026 held in Abuja.

The event also featured the unveiling of the special 10th anniversary commemorative edition of Emporium Magazine, convened by Lukman Laleye Babalola.

Declaring the event open, Idris described Babalola’s journalism career as one defined not by what the profession has given him, but by his consistent contributions, which have earned him recognition across the highest levels of government and public life.

Speaking on the relationship between the media and national interest, the minister said supporting positive national narratives should not be interpreted as a compromise of journalistic integrity.

He noted that even advanced democracies operate with clear guidelines for reporting sensitive national issues.

Idris urged journalists to hold government and public institutions accountable while maintaining professionalism and respect. He also encouraged the media to report positive government achievements, including those of President Bola Tinubu, whenever they occur.

The minister warned against allowing individuals without professional competence to lead the journalism profession, describing press credibility as a collective asset that must be protected.

He added that promoting positive national narratives is not a betrayal of journalistic independence but a demonstration of patriotic responsibility.

Delivering the keynote address, Abdullahi O. Haruna Haruspice said digital media has the capacity either to strengthen democracy or undermine it, depending on the credibility of the information it disseminates.

According to him, while digital platforms have expanded public access to information and participation in national discourse, they have also accelerated the spread of misinformation, creating a situation where falsehood often travels faster than verified facts.

Haruspice challenged media practitioners to move “from noise to knowledge, from propaganda to professionalism, and from clicks to credibility,” stressing that the future of journalism belongs to those who earn public trust rather than those who merely generate online traffic.

He also called on the government to protect press freedom, media organisations to strengthen ethical standards, and journalists to recommit themselves to truth, arguing that Nigeria’s democracy would ultimately be judged by how well it preserves truth.

During the event, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, received the Outstanding Leadership in Global Media Diplomacy and National Image Rebranding Award.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike; the Director of Information, Niger State Ministry of Information and Orientation; and S.O. Allhasan.