Judul : Tinubu and the 2025 Nigerian Editors' Forum: Key Issues
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Tinubu and the 2025 Nigerian Editors' Forum: Key Issues
Last Wednesday represented a significant moment in the relationship between the Nigerian government and the media, as President Bola Tinubu hosted this year's Annual Conference of Nigerian Editors (the Nigerian Guild of Editors - NGE), titled ANEC 2025.
Held in the Conference Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the forum offered a valuable, direct connection between the president and the top figures in the country's media sector — specifically the editors, who serve as the gatekeepers of content across various media channels and platforms.
As the inaugural annual gathering of Nigerian editors hosted by a current president, this year's event marked a significant milestone in elevating the visibility of this annual meeting of the country's leading media figures. It also brings hopes for a positive shift in the nation's media landscape. After all, what else could one expect from a collaboration between the head of state and the heart of the nation's media community, but benefits far greater than mere leftovers from the master's table.
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And if his words are to be taken seriously, President Bola Tinubu has presented a set of benefits for the media sector, in accordance with the request from the NGE president, Eze Anaba, as mentioned in his speech to the gathering.
In his reply to Anaba's request, the president agreed to implement the same - a move that could bring relief to the struggling media organizations - many of which are functioning with minimal resources, while others are barely staying afloat; some have already collapsed entirely. Therefore, the president's action justifies his meeting with the country's media leaders, and it also indicates the potential for significant benefits from stronger cooperation between the government and the media sector.
Interestingly, Tinubu addressed the media on various issues, emphasizing their role in promoting national unity and maintaining integrity and fairness in their work. In the context of responsible journalism, which Nigeria's mainstream media is widely recognized for, these topics are largely familiar to current media leaders. However, their steadfast adherence to these principles has shaped the media's narrative. Nevertheless, it was beneficial that he highlighted these points to show his alignment with the media on these matters, as it is certain that there will be increased commitment to these standards following the conference, considering the media's history of self-regulation, especially during a future review of the event's organization.
Nevertheless, on the other hand, there is a worry about how much the situation involving the president's team and media leaders will change the direction and speed of the administration, as this issue will continue to be a sensitive topic for the nation in the coming days and months.
The key issue here is that despite being so close, the media will return to its role of ensuring the government is answerable to the public, who anticipate a renewal of governance after its performance at the conference had hit rock bottom in the eyes of many Nigerians. This is also the point where hopes for the government to alter its approach may not quickly come true, or perhaps never at all.
Already, due to the administration's clearly all-knowing nature and its stubborn inclination, along with a dislike for strong media reporting on some of its activities, many Nigerians—including those in the country's media—have voiced concerns about holding the editors' meeting at the Presidential Villa and led by the president.
In this context, the president must explain the benefit of allowing the media to host by providing Nigerians with proof of a new era in leadership, even if it's just a sign of intent to do so.
In this regard, there are several situations the government must address. The first is that the presidency must recognize the value of the media in assisting with the monitoring of its extensive network of agencies, each operating under distinct legal responsibilities. However, if the media were not the sole observer of this network, the circumstances would be different; therefore, it is in the administration's interest to enhance the capabilities of the country's media for its own advantage. Indeed, the keen attention of the media has contributed to the public and president becoming aware of certain unusual events within the administration, such as cases where dubious influences have infiltrated the governance system. Thus, any attempt by the government to weaken the media is akin to the former shooting itself in the foot.
Second, the Nigerian media landscape is not a single, unified body where everyone shares the same viewpoint or speaks with one voice. Instead, it rightly consists of hundreds of operators across different media sectors. For example, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohamed Idris, there are more than 1,000 licensed radio and television stations in the country within the broadcast sector. Print media also number in the hundreds, while online platforms are as numerous as their operational capabilities permit.
The current scenario involving multiple government agencies and the expansion of media organizations necessitates greater transparency in governance, along with proper procedures in administration, adhering to the constitution's stipulations, which every Nigerian supports as the correct course to pursue.
In addition to the above, it is evident that as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections, there is an increasing inclination among politicians to gain electoral benefits, which could draw scrutiny from the media. It is wished that the government ensures the media's expectation—a fair environment for all participants.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).Demikianlah Artikel Tinubu and the 2025 Nigerian Editors' Forum: Key Issues
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