Tinubu Makes History as First President to Attend Editors’ Conference

…Urges Media to Strengthen Democracy; Pledges Tax Relief. Policy Support

By Yinka Giwa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday made history as the first sitting Nigerian President to attend the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Annual Conference, using the platform to urge media professionals to uphold their constitutional duty as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and partners in nation-building.

Speaking at the 21st Annual Conference of the Guild, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, with the theme “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” President Tinubu praised the resilience and patriotism of Nigerian editors and pledged his administration’s support for a stronger, freer, and more sustainable media industry.

He assured that the Federal Government would consider the Guild’s requests for tax reliefs, fiscal incentives, and policy interventions to ensure the survival of media institutions, describing journalism as “a vital pillar of democracy that must be protected.”

“This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient, and trusted by citizens,” Tinubu said. “Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession — it has been an instrument of national awakening. From the newspapers that challenged colonial rule to those that kept hope alive during military dictatorship, the press has always stood for freedom.”

The President warned, however, that the explosion of social media and citizen publishing had increased the spread of misinformation, making the editorial function of professional journalists more critical than ever.

“Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle; and professional judgment your guide,” he said. “Report boldly, but truthfully. Critique government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”

Tinubu acknowledged the country’s ongoing security and economic challenges but assured Nigerians that his administration remained focused on restoring peace and prosperity. He called on the media, civil society, and private sector to work together in promoting reason, unity, and optimism.

“Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair,” he said. “The stories we tell ourselves as a nation influence the country we become.”

Responding to the Guild’s appeal for government incentives, Tinubu pledged to consider measures such as tax waivers on media inputs, legal protection for journalists, and a policy framework that guarantees press freedom.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed the President’s attendance as “historic and symbolic”, noting that no previous leader had ever personally graced the Guild’s annual gathering.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, no media house has been threatened, gagged, or shut down for dissent,” Idris said. “More than one thousand broadcast stations operate freely today — clear evidence of this administration’s commitment to free expression and responsible journalism.”

He urged the media to help shape positive national narratives that reflect Nigeria’s progress and aspirations.

Also speaking, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who doubles as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, called on editors to play a decisive role in strengthening democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If you have a role in democratic governance and national cohesion, you must also assume responsibility for electoral integrity,” Uzodimma said. “When every disagreement is framed as a crisis and every electoral challenge treated as systemic fraud, we deepen distrust and polarisation.”

He cited the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, which showed that 49 percent of Nigerians distrust the media, describing the trend as “deeply alarming.”

In his remarks, Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, thanked President Tinubu for attending the event, describing his presence as a “demonstration of respect and partnership.” He reiterated the Guild’s call for fiscal and policy support, including corporate tax relief, VAT exemption on media inputs, and a Media Development Fund to foster digital innovation and newsroom transformation.

“Editors must defend the sanctity of truth, insist on transparency, and hold power to account — not as adversaries, but as constructive partners in the pursuit of national progress,” Anaba said.