The Federal Government has called on Nigerian media houses to prioritise stories that celebrate the country’s achievements and foster national unity, rather than focusing solely on criticism and negative events.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the appeal on Thursday at the launch of the Media Trust Converged Newsroom in Abuja.
He stressed that positive reports highlighting Nigeria’s progress deserve prominent placement and can help inspire hope, especially among young people.
“Every headline does not always need to be critical. You need a headline that inspires us as a nation, a headline that promotes unity and headlines that inspire aspirations in our young people,” Idris said.
He rejected the idea that journalism must always be adversarial, arguing that the media can hold public institutions accountable while still reporting developments that encourage national aspirations.
Idris described the AI-powered converged newsroom as an important milestone for Media Trust Limited.
He congratulated the organisation on its growth from modest beginnings into a multimedia group that includes Daily Trust, Aminiya, Trust TV, Trust Radio and digital platforms.
Integrating these outlets into one newsroom, he said, would allow seamless delivery of credible information across print, broadcast and digital channels.
He urged Media Trust to turn the facility into a hub for innovation, investigative journalism and responsible storytelling one that can spotlight national challenges, celebrate successes and support informed public debate.
The minister also highlighted the growing need for fact-checking amid advances in artificial intelligence, including AI-generated content and manipulated images and videos.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Idris said the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process partly depends on the integrity of information available to voters.
He called on journalists to maintain fairness, transparency and accuracy, avoid sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, and clearly separate facts from opinions.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, describing the media as a vital partner in national development and democratic governance.
Jigawa State Governor Mallam Umar Namadi praised Media Trust for its contributions to national development and the livelihoods it provides.
He encouraged media professionals to uphold ethical standards and use their platforms to promote unity.
Media Trust Group Board of Trustees Chairman Mallam Kabiru Yusuf recalled that the organisation began in Kaduna in 1998 and has since expanded into full media convergence.
He urged journalists to treat everyone fairly, including perceived adversaries, and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to professional standards.
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