The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged journalists to present a more balanced narrative of Northern Nigeria by reporting not only insecurity but also the achievements, opportunities and contributions of the region to national development.
According to the minister, the future and perception of Northern Nigeria will be shaped not only by government policies and development projects but also by how the media portrays the region, stressing that fair and responsible reporting can attract investment, preserve the region’s cultural heritage, strengthen democracy and promote national unity.
Idris made the call while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit, themed “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice,” in Kano on Monday, where he described the media as a powerful force in shaping public opinion and influencing how Northern Nigeria is perceived both within and outside the country.
The minister warned that while digital technology has expanded opportunities for communication and economic growth, it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation, stressing that credible journalism must continue to prioritise accuracy, fairness, verification and responsibility.
He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to press freedom and constructive engagement with the media, saying journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional watchdog role in an enabling environment.
Idris urged journalists to move beyond reporting insecurity alone by also highlighting the successes of entrepreneurs, farmers, innovators, researchers, artists and young people whose contributions continue to drive development across Northern Nigeria.
Highlighting the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said the Federal Government is investing in infrastructure, education, security and economic reforms through initiatives including the Four Legacy Highway Projects, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and investments in rail, energy and logistics.
He also highlighted the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) and the launch of the Digital Switch Over (FreeTV) platform, describing them as initiatives that will strengthen responsible journalism, expand access to quality broadcasting, create jobs, promote local content and combat misinformation.
The summit, convened by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, brought together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators, academics, communication professionals and policymakers.
Among those in attendance were Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media Dada Olusegun, and President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya.