President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned that the rise of social media has turned every Nigerian into a potential publisher, fueling the spread of misinformation and fake news.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Annual Conference in Abuja, Tinubu said the media must remain a stabilising force in an era of rapid information flow.
He urged editors to balance their watchdog role with fairness and responsibility, stressing that “a democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation.”
Tinubu praised the Nigerian press for its historic role in defending democracy but cautioned that the digital age has amplified the dangers of misinformation. He called on editors to prioritise verification, accuracy, and national unity in their reporting.
“Social media has made every citizen a publisher,” he said. “Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. Verification must be your anchor; fairness your guide.”
The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” brought together journalists and policymakers to discuss how the media can promote unity amid national challenges.
