President Tinubu reaffirms commitment to press freedom as NUJ celebrates 70 year’s of journalistic excellent
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Saturday, 21st June, 2025, at the Yar’adua Musa Centre, Abuja, celebrated its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of promoting journalism excellence and defending democracy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his longstanding bond with the Nigerian media, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom, Themed: “Celebrating 70 years of journalistic excellence and the future of the Nigerian Press.
Speaking through a representative, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who doubled as the host, reaffirmed President Tinubu’s Affinity for Press freedom in Nigeria.
Standard Times Nigeria reports that the Hon. Minister emphasized President Tinubu’s importance of a vibrant and responsible media in Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Speaking further, he said: “Tinubu’s administration pledged to uphold press freedom as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy. Just as the government urged the media to promote national unity, trust, and democratic consolidation.
He, however, acknowledged the challenges being faced by the digital era.
“The NUJ and government acknowledged the impact of generative AI, disinformation, and citizen journalism on the profession.
“The Honourable Minister seized the opportunity to announce the Federal Government of Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO to establish a Category-2 Institute for Media and Information Literacy in Abuja.
His words: “Today as we’re gathered to celebrate Nigeria’s most courageous Journalists in the fight for the actualization of democracy from the pre-colonial era and forging lifelong connections
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu possesses an affinity with the Nigerian press that is unparalleled in the history of Nigerian presidency.
“This affinity alongside other qualities, drives the president sacrosanct commitment to freedom of speech and of media expression in Nigeria, as we’ve had 26 years of continuous democratic governance the media must champion narratives that reflect the country’s democratic gains, stories of institutional reforms, infrastructure development, citizens engagement and social economic advancement,
by constructively spotlighting these milestones, the media not only honors the sacrifices that perfect our democracy, but also helps to promote national cohesion and public trust in democratic institutions, ” the Minister said.
“In doing so. The media solidifies its role as a key pillar in sustainable and. Deepening Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Continuing, the Honourable Minister, added: “As I have said at many forums, and I will say it here again today, that the Tinubu administration will always be deeply committed to upholding press freedom as a pillar and as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, and we will continue to promote and advance policies and programs that enable the media to thrive in the discharge of its responsibilities to our democracy and to our society.
“We know that the proliferation of mobile phones and the rise of citizen journalists and social media influencers have triggered questions regarding what it means to be a journalist in the 21st Century. The rise of generative AI in recent years has further complicated matters, bombarding us with a wave of deepfakes and sophisticated disinformation that’s made credible journalism more challenging and yet at the same time more urgent and essential than ever before. This is why we at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation have collaborated with UNESCO to establish here in Abuja a Category Two Media and Information Literacy Center. The first of its kind anywhere in the world. When operational, this institute will be a transformational resource that will serve and advance the course of ethical journalism in Nigeria.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me reiterate that the Tinubu administration is very much aware of the various issues confronting the profession of journalism in Nigeria today, from welfare to the impact of digital and technology, medical to gender balance. Not oblivious of these pressing concerns, we are keen to work with you and to support you”, Hon. Minister reaffirmed.
“Even as you hold us to account as government, sometimes you are really holding us very hard, and we sincerely welcome much of this, but there’s also room to see us as close partners and active co- creators along with you for the peace, security and prosperity that our great nation so dearly deserves and is on the path of attaining, we shall ponder the leadership of of the moon.
The Honourable Minister congratulates all the awardees and Honorees.
“Let me, as a colleague, extend heartfelt congratulations to all of you, the Nigerian members of the Nigerian journalists of today’s deserving honorees, and charge all of you, the recipients of these scholarships, to continue along this path of service to be their excellency”, The Honourable Minister stated.
“I would like to commend the NUJ for the book project launched marking the 70th anniversary. I am of the strong view that the media profession must always remember to tell its own stories and shape its narratives. It has been mentioned here before. No one else will do it for us. On this note, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for being here.
The NUJ 70th Anniversary features a cultural troupe and awards with a book Launch titled: ” Bleeding Ink. Many Nigerian personalities, including the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Governor of Borno, His Excellency Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Eno, the Bayelsa State Governor, among others, were honored at the NUJ Dinners and Awards Night.
