FG urges journalists, influencers to deny terrorists, bandits publicity

The Federal Government has urged journalists, broadcasters and social media influencers to deny terrorists and bandits the publicity they seek, warning that irresponsible communication could fuel insecurity and undermine national unity.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Monday at the maiden edition of the Arewa Media Summit organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, in Kano.

Speaking at the summit, Idris said the media plays a critical role in promoting national cohesion by reporting responsibly and refusing to amplify the propaganda of violent groups.

“The media has an indispensable role in denying violent extremists the publicity they seek while promoting unity, resilience and hope,” the minister said.

He noted that democracy thrives when government remains transparent, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

Idris also observed that while the digital revolution has made every smartphone a potential broadcasting platform, it has equally accelerated the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of threatening public trust and national stability.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, said the summit was conceived to strengthen dialogue between government, citizens and the media through accountability, responsibility and ethical communication.

He stressed that while government has a duty to provide timely and transparent information, citizens must engage constructively and the media should continue to serve as the bridge between leaders and the public through factual and balanced reporting.

Abdulaziz also urged social media influencers to use their platforms responsibly by verifying information before publication and avoiding content capable of creating division, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He disclosed that more than 100 APC social media communicators were trained ahead of the summit on effectively communicating government policies and achievements.

The presidential aide also unveiled the **Gani Ya Kori** initiative, a regional project inspection tour designed to showcase infrastructure and development projects executed by President Bola Tinubu and Northern governors that, according to him, have received limited public attention.

Declaring the summit open, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called on other state governments to replicate the state’s Special Reporters Initiative, under which more than 150 young people have been deployed across ministries, departments, agencies and the state’s 44 local government areas to strengthen government communication and public enlightenment.

The summit attracted journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, academics, policymakers and communication professionals from across Northern Nigeria to discuss the theme, “Government, Citizens: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice.”