By Victor Ahiuma-Young
KANO — Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, has called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical reporting, warning that fake news and misinformation pose serious threats to democracy, national unity and good governance.

Speaking at the 2026 Arewa Media Summit held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening media practice and promoting good governance through responsible and ethical journalism.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, the governor said Kebbi State has benefited immensely from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through various developmental projects, particularly road infrastructure.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State, Ahmad Idris, cited the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, which passes through Kebbi State, as one of the landmark projects that would transform the state’s economy by boosting trade, improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth across Kebbi and the North-West region.

Governor Idris commended the organisers of the summit, especially the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, AbdulAziz AbdulAziz, for initiating the programme, describing it as timely and necessary.

According to him, the summit would strengthen the capacity of media practitioners and social media influencers to uphold professionalism, objectivity and ethical standards in their reportage.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also commended the organisers for convening the summit and stressed the need for continuous training and reorientation of media practitioners to ensure accurate, objective and responsible reporting.
The minister said effective media coverage of any administration depends on a proper understanding of government policies and programmes, enabling journalists to disseminate factual and balanced information to the public.

He added that the media must strive to balance its reporting while promoting peace, unity and national development.

Earlier, Kano State Governor and Chief Host of the summit, Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the programme as a significant step towards strengthening ethical journalism and professionalism in the media industry.
He said the summit was designed to bridge the gap between misinformation and factual reporting while enlightening citizens on government policies and programmes.

Governor Yusuf noted that the initiative would also strengthen partnerships with media organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and new media practitioners, while promoting the fight against misinformation and fake news.

He added that his administration holds the media profession in high regard, which informed the appointment of many journalists into key government positions, including Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, reporters and information officers, to enhance effective public communication.
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, AbdulAziz AbdulAziz, said the summit was convened under the theme: “Government-Citizen Accord: Accountability, Responsibility and Ethical Media Practice.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their support, which contributed significantly to the successful organisation of the summit.