Politics

President Tinubu Addresses Nation’s Press: Full Text of His Landmark Speech at the 2025 Editors’ Conference

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on November 13th, 2025.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday delivered a powerful and thought-provoking address at the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Annual Conference, calling for responsible journalism, national unity, and renewed collaboration between government and the media in advancing the nation’s democratic ideals.

Speaking before a hall filled with top editors, media executives, and communication professionals, President Tinubu described the press as “a vital pillar of democracy and a watchdog of public accountability.” He praised the Nigerian media for its historical role in nation-building but urged practitioners to balance freedom with responsibility.

“A free press is not an enemy of government; it is a partner in progress,” Tinubu declared. “But that freedom comes with duty — the duty to report truthfully, verify thoroughly, and act in the public interest, not for political or financial gain.”

The President’s speech, widely regarded as one of his most comprehensive addresses to the media since assuming office, touched on several key national issues, including economic reforms, press freedom, and the ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s image globally.

He emphasized that his administration’s economic policies, though challenging, are designed to secure a better future for the nation. Tinubu assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and creating an enabling environment where the press can thrive without intimidation or censorship.

“We are rebuilding an economy that works for all, not just the privileged few,” he said. “And I count on the Nigerian press to tell our story fairly — not to praise us, but to present the facts as they are.”

President Tinubu also commended the resilience of Nigerian journalists who continue to operate under difficult conditions, urging media owners to invest in staff welfare and professional development. He promised that the federal government would sustain its dialogue with media stakeholders to strengthen press freedom and protect journalists from harassment.

“No journalist should be punished for doing their job honestly,” he added. “We will continue to uphold laws that defend free expression while combating fake news and hate speech that threaten our collective peace.”

The conference, themed “Media Sustainability and National Development in the Digital Age,” also featured contributions from media veterans and policymakers who discussed the evolving challenges of journalism in a rapidly changing information landscape.

In closing, President Tinubu called for unity of purpose between government and the media, stressing that both institutions share the same goal — a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria.

“Let us build together — a Nigeria where truth reigns, where voices are heard, and where the pen continues to shape the destiny of our great nation,” he concluded, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

The 2025 Editors’ Conference marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, reinforcing the role of the press as a catalyst for nati

onal growth and accountability.