The former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, has underscored the vital role of the Media in promoting democratic values for shared prosperity.
This, he said cannot be realized without a responsible and unfettered press, declaring that the freedom of the press is non-negotiable.
Senator Al-Makura spoke on Tuesday at the 2025 Press Week, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, with the theme, “Journalism in a Changing World: Media, Press Freedom, Democracy and Society,” held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Al-Makura who was recently nominated by the North-Central All Progressive Congress Forum, for the position of the National Chairman of the party, following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje, noted that “journalism is more than reportage—it is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes.”
He said in the face of adversity, the Nigerian Press has endured, reflecting the contribution of the press to national development.
“You chronicled our joys and tribulations at the dawn of the Fourth Republic. You gave voice to the anguish of our youth during the #EndSARS protests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you were a calming presence amid the storm of uncertainty. In each moment of national reckoning, you rose to the task,” the former governor said.
He however, noted that journalism today stands at a crossroads. Stating that the digital revolution—remarkable as it is—has altered everything.
“Artificial intelligence, deepfakes ,misinformation, and algorithmic bias now threaten to displace fact with fiction, and substance with spectacle. And nowhere is this more dangerous than in fragile democracies, where information can be weaponised, and where the truth is often the first casualty,” he said.
Al-Makura said press freedom, like all freedoms, demands responsibility. “In this age of viral misinformation, our challenge is not merely legal—it is ethical. It is not just about laws or sanctions. It is about restoring editorial integrity, deepening professional standards, and cultivating a media culture that prioritises truth over traffic,” the APC Stalwart said.
He proposed the following national agenda for media revitalization: “A Journalist Safety and Insurance Framework: Let us institutionalise protection for media professionals, particularly those in conflict zones or on investigative beats. A Media Innovation & Sustainability Fund: Let both government and private sector stakeholders support digital transition, training, and sustainability for struggling yet essential news outlets. Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities: Empower citizens—especially our youth—to critically engage with media and resist manipulation. A National Fact-Checking Alliance: Foster non-partisan collaboration between media houses and civic-tech institutions to combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.”
While commending the NUJ FCT Council for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of professionalism under often harsh conditions, Al-Makura said the Press Week should serve as a platform for renewal—a covenant between the media and the society it serves; between freedom and truth; between criticism and constructive nation-building.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, RT. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said in light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news particularly through digital and social media platforms, the Nigerian media should strengthen coordinated fact-checking frameworks.
These, according to him, should not be isolated initiatives, but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions.
Represented at the event by Hon. Patrick Umoh, a Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Abbas said as the 10th House of Representatives, “we are prepared to support such frameworks through formal collaboration, including integration with our legislative oversight functions and public information systems. This partnership will ensure that citizens have access to verified, timely, and transparent information, especially on policy matters and electoral issues.”
The Speaker also encouraged the media to spearhead the development of a national code of ethical conduct specifically tailored for digital journalism and social media reporting.
“Such a code should provide guidelines on the responsible use of sources, AI-generated content, and anonymous reporting, while also safeguarding press freedom. We in the National Assembly are open to backing this initiative with enabling legislation or resolutions that promote digital responsibility without infringing on the constitutional rights of our people.
“No country grows through fake news and misinformation because false narrative can destabilize institutions and we must work together to build a media environment anchored on ethics, accuracy, and accountability,” he noted.
Earlier, in her Opening Remarks, the Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the Press Week was not organised “to merely mark a date on the calendar, but to honor the enduring relevance of journalism in shaping our democracy, informing our citizens, and preserving the values that bind our society together.”
Comrade Ike said in the past year, the union has witnessed extraordinary shifts in the global and local media landscape; advancements in technology, the rise of artificial intelligence, the deepening of social media influence, and unfortunately, the persistent challenges of disinformation, censorship, economic pressures, and threats to press freedom.
In the face of these headwinds, she said the journalists remained resilient, holding the line, telling the stories that matter, and ensuring the public’s right to know. However, she said “today, we pause to reflect on that labor, on your sacrifices, and on the many untold efforts behind every headline, broadcast, or byline.”
Ike unveiled several key priority projects which the union will pursue vigorously during her tenure.
These, according to her, are initiatives designed to uplift, support, and empower journalists in the FCT.
The projects include, Modernization of the NUJ FCT Congress Hall, Procurement of a Union Coastal Bus, engagements, Completion of the NUJ Pentagon Hall, Establishment of a Journalists’ Welfare Scheme, and Development of the NUJ Journalists’ Village.
The High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving Guests, members, and the unveiling of the Union’s Magazine.
