His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, delivered the opening address at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held at the State House, Abuja. The president commended the media for its historic role in national development and urged editors to uphold professionalism and integrity in shaping national discourse.
Below is the full text of his speech:
It is my privilege to welcome you to the State House for this year’s Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Your presence reflects the enduring importance of the media in shaping national direction and strengthening democratic life. I commend the leadership of the Guild for sustaining this tradition of reflection and professional engagement.
The theme you have chosen, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” invites us to reflect on the state of our democracy and the ways in which public discourse can either strengthen or weaken the bonds that hold our nation together. This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient, and trusted by our citizens.
Throughout our history, journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession—it has been an instrument of national awakening. From the early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the principled voices that kept hope alive during the dark days of military dictatorship, the Nigerian press has stood at critical moments in our nationhood to defend reason, dignity, and progress.
Many journalists endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good. Their sacrifices form part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests today. We honour them not only in memory but by remaining committed to the values they upheld.
Yet, freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise. A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation. This is where your role becomes central and indispensable.
As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives, influence public understanding, and decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted. The weight of that responsibility is significant and must be exercised with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty.
Nigeria is a large and diverse country. Debate and differences are part of our reality. However, disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion. Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve. The national interest must always remain paramount.
We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits but also increases the speed and scale of misinformation. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle; and professional judgement must be your guide.
I urge you, therefore, to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism. Report boldly, but truthfully. Critique government policy, but with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.
On our part, this administration remains committed to securing our nation, sustaining economic stability, and widening the circle of opportunity for all citizens. The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging but are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing. We have taken steps to restore macroeconomic balance, encourage investment, and rebuild confidence. The signs of progress are visible in several sectors of the economy. Still, we know there is more work to do, and we remain focused on ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
However, economic reforms and institutional improvements alone cannot build the Nigeria we seek. Nation-building requires cooperation, trust, and a shared understanding that our future is tied together. Government has its role. The private sector has its role. Civil society has its role. And the media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity.
I ask that you continue to exercise that responsibility with seriousness and honour. Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. Let us remember that the stories we tell ourselves as a nation and as a people influence the country we become.
Distinguished editors, your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will all help shape the direction of our national journey. Let us carry this responsibility with purpose.
I wish you constructive, thoughtful, and fruitful deliberations, and I look forward to the outcomes of your discussions.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria
