RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Federal Government has called on Nigerian media organisations to give greater attention to stories highlighting national achievements, innovation and development while maintaining their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, appealed on Thursday during the official unveiling of the Media Trust Group’s artificial intelligence-powered Converged Digital Newsroom in Abuja.
Idris said journalism should not focus exclusively on negative developments, arguing that reports celebrating progress and encouraging national unity also deserved prominence.
According to the minister, the media has a responsibility to inform citizens about national challenges while highlighting developments capable of inspiring confidence and encouraging young Nigerians to pursue their aspirations.
He maintained that critical reporting and positive storytelling were not mutually exclusive, stressing that journalists could scrutinise government activities while also reporting achievements across different sectors.
The minister described the launch of the converged newsroom as an important milestone in the development of Nigeria’s media industry.
He commended the organisation for expanding from its early newspaper operations into a multimedia establishment covering print, television, radio and digital platforms.
The new facility integrates the group’s editorial operations, enabling journalists to coordinate news gathering, production and distribution across multiple platforms.
Idris said such technological investments could improve efficiency, strengthen collaboration and make credible information more accessible to the public.
He also encouraged media organisations to embrace innovation and investigative journalism while maintaining professional standards and editorial responsibility.
Addressing the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the minister warned that manipulated images, fabricated videos and AI-generated misinformation posed increasing challenges to credible journalism.
He emphasised that fact-checking, accuracy and responsible verification must remain central to newsroom operations, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to Idris, the integrity of information available to voters is an important component of credible democratic participation.
He urged journalists to distinguish verified facts from opinions, avoid sensationalism and ensure that election-related reports are supported by credible evidence.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s stated commitment to press freedom and described independent journalism as an important contributor to national development.
Speaking at the event, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi praised the media organisation for its contributions to employment and public information.
He encouraged journalists to maintain high ethical standards and promote responsible communication.
The Chairman of Media Trust Group, Kabiru Yusuf, reflected on the organisation’s development since its establishment in Kaduna in 1998.
Yusuf urged journalists to uphold fairness, accuracy and accountability, including when reporting on individuals or institutions with whom they disagreed.
The launch reflects the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence and integrated digital technologies in Nigerian newsrooms, alongside continuing discussions about editorial independence, misinformation and public trust.
