Information Minister Wants Journalists To Uphold Intergrity, Professionalism

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has called on journalists to uphold integrity and professionalism as an instrument in fostering transparency.

Mallam Idris who made the call in Abuja at the presentation of a book “Writing for Media and Monetising It, said this would go a long way to hold those in power accountable and promote the rights of the people.

Mallam Idris explained that the world is in an era where information was a powerful tool and a potent weapon to uphold truth and objectivity.

According to him, the book will set an exemplary standard for the media that journalism was not about reporting events but shaping narratives that reflect the societal values of justice, fairness, and equality.

The Minister reiterated President Tinubu administration’s dedication to creating an environment where journalists would work freely, without intimidation, with the assurance that their rights would be acknowledged and protected.

While eulogizing the writer, the Minister said, “Azu has earned himself a reputation as a man of many parts in the media industry. He has led large media organisations, has been active in industry bodies, at home and abroad, has been a founder, judged prestigious media competitions, and taught and trained generations of young practitioners.”

“Amidst all of these, one fact cannot be missed: that at his very core, Azu sees himself as a writer; a man whose primary calling and first love is putting pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, and shaping public discourse in the most insightful and illuminating ways.”

He, however, said that freedom comes with responsibility to champion the course of a free press, which he said is incumbent on the media to exercise this freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.

According to him, It is also crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.”

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji