Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold professionalism, credibility and ethical reporting amid the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era.
The Minister made the call at the maiden Emporium Leadership Lecture & Awards 2026 and the unveiling of the Special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition of Emporium Magazine, organised by Royal Prince Media Services in Abuja on Thursday.
The event brought together senior government officials, media executives, security chiefs, civil society organisations and development partners to deliberate on the theme, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy”.
Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, the Minister said the digital media landscape has expanded access to information, but has also created unprecedented challenges that require journalists to remain committed to truth, verification and responsible journalism.
Idris stressed that professional journalists must distinguish themselves through accuracy, proper fact-checking and context in news reporting despite the increasing influence of social media and citizen journalism.
“Public confidence in the media depends largely on its commitment to ethical standards and factual reporting, said cautioning journalists against ethnic and religious profiling in crime reporting, insisting that criminality should never be associated with a person’s ethnic origin or religious affiliation.
According to him, such reporting undermines national unity and promotes prejudice.
He described the media as a critical institution in democratic governance, noting that responsible journalism remains essential for promoting accountability, transparency and informed public discourse.
The Minister urged media practitioners to continue serving as credible partners in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Akinlabi Dare, represented by Mr. Jonathan Tamari, commended Royal Prince Media Services for sustaining the initiative and creating a platform that celebrates excellence in leadership and public service.
Chief Dare said the recognition being accorded to outstanding individuals and organisations reflects the growing importance of visionary leadership and excellence in national development.
“The Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards has become a significant platform for celebrating impactful contributions across various sectors”.
While congratulating journalists in Abuja and across Nigeria for their dedication to professionalism and nation-building, he expressed optimism that the programme would continue to grow and inspire excellence within the media industry.
In his welcome address, Convener of the event and Publisher of Emporium Magazine, Mr. Lukman Laleye Babalola, described the ceremony as a celebration of ten years of purposeful journalism and unwavering commitment to promoting excellence, accountability and national development.
Babalola said the theme of the lecture was timely as digital media continues to shape democratic participation while posing challenges such as misinformation, sensationalism and declining public trust.
He noted that the media must move beyond the pursuit of online traffic to embrace truth, fairness, professionalism and responsible communication.
He added that the lecture was designed to provide a platform for policymakers, journalists, regulators, security agencies and civil society organisations to explore practical ways of strengthening democracy through credible digital journalism while recognising outstanding individuals whose leadership continues to inspire national development.
The event also featured the presentation of the Emporium Leadership Awards to distinguished Nigerians and organisations for their outstanding contributions to leadership, governance, media development, security, business, human capital development and social impact.
Among those honoured were Assistant Corps Commander John Onoja, who received the National Resource Protection and Security Award; Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Adekunle Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, honoured with the Distinguished Patron of Media Excellence Award; Dr. Wisdom Enang, recipient of the Emporium Energy Leadership Award for Strategic Excellence and Fame Foundation, honoured with the Gender Advocacy and Social Impact Award.
Others are Comrade Grace Ike, who received the Media Leadership and Civic Engagement Award; Dr. Innocent Odey of InnoBec Business School, honoured with the Distinguished Leadership Award for Human Capital Development; Ambrose Omordion, Chief Operating Officer of InvestData Consulting Limited, who received the Outstanding Leadership in Capital Market Development Award; and Mallam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, honoured with the Outstanding Leadership in Global Media Diplomacy and National Image Rebranding Award.
