The Federal Government has called on journalists and social media influencers to stop giving bandits and terrorists the publicity they seek, warning that such coverage can inadvertently serve extremist goals.
Minister of Information and National Reorientation Mohammed Idris made the call at the maiden Arewa Media Summit in Kano on Monday, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz. “The media has an indispensable role in denying violent extremists the publicity they seek while promoting unity, resilience and hope,” Idris said, adding that democracy functions best when government stays transparent, citizens participate responsibly, and the media operates with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
Idris also addressed the double-edged nature of modern communication technology, noting that the digital revolution has turned every smartphone into a broadcasting platform, a shift that has expanded access to information but also accelerated the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of undermining national unity and public trust.
Abdulaziz, who organised the summit, said the event was designed to strengthen dialogue between government, citizens and the media around accountability and ethical communication. He described a three-way responsibility, government providing timely and transparent information, citizens engaging constructively, and the media serving as an honest bridge between leaders and the public through balanced reporting. He specifically urged social media influencers with large followings to verify information before publishing and avoid content that could sow division, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching. He disclosed that more than 100 APC social media communicators have already been trained ahead of the summit on how to effectively communicate government policies and achievements, and unveiled the Gani Ya Kori initiative, a regional tour meant to showcase infrastructure projects delivered by President Bola Tinubu and Northern governors that he said have received little public attention.
Declaring the summit open, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged other states to adopt his Special Reporters Initiative, under which more than 150 young people have been deployed across state ministries, agencies and all 44 local government areas to strengthen government communication and public enlightenment.
The summit drew journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators, academics and policymakers from across Northern Nigeria, convening around the theme “Government, Citizens: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice.”
