During the inauguration of the 19th Nigeria Editors Conference 2023 in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, President Bola Tinubu voiced his concerns about the escalating prevalence of false narratives and misinformation in the nation, emphasizing that this alarming trend poses a significant threat to the foundation of Nigerian society.

Addressing the audience on Wednesday, under the theme “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: The role of the media,” President Tinubu expressed gratitude to editors for their pivotal role in the struggle for Nigerian democracy. He acknowledged the pivotal role of the media in shaping public opinion and fostering national development.

Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the president highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the systemic moral decline in the country. He disclosed ongoing efforts to implement a sustained mass reorientation campaign aimed at instilling unity, patriotism, and positive values among Nigerians.

In his plea to Nigerian editors, President Tinubu urged them to rally behind the movement for moral rectitude among their fellow citizens. He stressed the collective responsibility to combat misinformation through fact-checking, responsible reporting, and the promotion of media and digital literacy.

“We are faced with the proliferation of misinformation and false narratives which threaten the fabric of our society. It is our collective duty to combat this menace through fact-checking, responsible reporting, and promoting media and digital literacy with which we can fortify our defenses against the corrosive effects of a false narrative,” said President Tinubu.

Against the backdrop of an imminent systemic moral decline and the erosion of national values, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation is actively working to change the narrative in the country. The president called on editors to support the government’s sustained mass reorientation campaign, emphasizing the need to foster a stronger sense of national identity and shared values among Nigerians.

“I will therefore appeal to all our Editors to support this campaign for national rectitude among Nigerians,” President Tinubu concluded.