President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Tells Media: Report Facts, Not Fiction

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigerian journalists to strengthen their commitment to truth, professionalism and responsible reporting, warning that misinformation, fake news and artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes pose increasing threats to democracy and public confidence. Speaking at the maiden State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner in Abuja, the President described the media as an indispensable partner in nation-building, while urging practitioners to place accuracy above sensationalism and credibility above the race for online traffic.

The remarks come at a time when digital platforms have transformed the speed at which information travels, creating new opportunities for journalism while also increasing the spread of manipulated content. Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed that the responsibility of the media extends beyond informing the public to protecting the integrity of democratic discourse.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Calls for Responsible Journalism

Addressing journalists at the State House Banquet Hall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom, describing a free and independent media as essential to democratic governance. However, he maintained that press freedom must be exercised alongside professional ethics, fairness and a commitment to factual reporting.

The President urged journalists to reject misinformation, fake news and AI-enabled deepfakes, encouraging them instead to embrace truth, balanced reporting and constructive engagement. He warned that sensational reporting may attract temporary public attention but can ultimately erode trust in journalism and weaken national cohesion. In a light-hearted observation, one could say the President’s advice to the media was clear: let facts break the news before rumours do.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Links Media Responsibility to National Development

Beyond media ethics, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighted his administration’s ongoing economic reforms and security initiatives, expressing confidence that recent policy measures are gradually stabilising the economy while strengthening efforts to improve national security. He noted that informed public discourse depends on accurate reporting that enables citizens to understand both government achievements and challenges.

The President also expressed optimism that the maiden Presidential Dinner would strengthen cooperation between the government and the State House Media Corps, fostering a healthier relationship built on mutual respect and accountability. Media analysts note that as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of generating convincing but false content, news organisations face growing pressure to reinforce verification standards and editorial oversight.

As Nigeria’s media landscape continues to evolve, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed renewed emphasis on journalism as both a constitutional right and a public responsibility. Whether confronting fake news, navigating emerging AI technologies or reporting on national affairs, the President’s central message remained consistent: in an age where information travels faster than ever, truth must never struggle to catch up.