The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Abdulazzez Abdulazzez, recently hosted the Arewa Media Summit, bringing together journalists and content creators from across Northern Nigeria for discussions on responsible journalism and the effective use of social media.
The summit was held at one of the Government House event facilities and attracted more than 300 participants from different media organizations and digital platforms.
Although, the gathering focused on encouraging journalists and content creators to strengthen their commitment to developmental journalism through accurate, balanced, and ethical reporting.
However, participants also examined the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion and the need to use digital platforms responsibly.
A major theme of the summit was the importance of professionalism, credibility, and adherence to ethical standards in news reporting.
Speakers emphasized that journalists should prioritize facts, verification, and fairness while avoiding misinformation, sensationalism, and unethical practices.
Abdulazzez Abdulazzez addressed participants on the evolving media landscape and the opportunities available for journalists to contribute positively to national development.
He encouraged media professionals to embrace innovation while maintaining the core values of journalism, including accuracy, accountability, and public interest.
The summit also highlighted the growing role of content creators in informing citizens and influencing conversations across digital platforms.
Participants were urged to ensure that online content promotes constructive dialogue and supports peace, unity, and national development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, spokes the ethics and also content creator at the the event, with his contributions emphasizing the importance of responsible communication and public enlightenment.
His remarks underscored the Federal Government’s interest in strengthening collaboration with media practitioners to improve information dissemination.
Delegates from several northern states, including Kebbi, Kaduna, and Yobe, participated in the discussions, reflecting broad regional interest in the summit.
The diverse attendance provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and experiences on the challenges facing journalism in the digital age.
Interactive sessions allowed attendees to deliberate on practical strategies for improving ethical reporting across both traditional and online media.
Discussions also explored ways of strengthening media participation in reporting development-related issues affecting communities across Northern Nigeria.During the conversations,
participants reflected on the importance of balanced reporting of government policies and development initiatives.Reference was made to ongoing infrastructure projects, including railway development, road rehabilitation, and other public works being undertaken by the Federal Government.
Also, Participants noted that journalists have a responsibility to report such projects accurately while also holding public institutions accountable through factual reporting.
Although the organizers did not publicly disclose detailed objectives beyond the summit’s broad themes, discussions largely centered on media professionalism, ethical practice, and developmental journalism.
The event concluded with a renewed call for journalists and content creators to work together in promoting responsible reporting that strengthens public confidence in the media.
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to exchange ideas and build stronger professional networks across the region.
The summit ended with a shared commitment to uphold ethical journalism, encourage responsible use of social media, and continue contributing to informed public discourse and national development.
MAHMOUD is a Kano base POLITICAL ANALYST and publisher of The Northern Star online newspapers 07060766192 indagi3792@gmail.com
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