President Bola Tinubu emphasized the significance of journalism in achieving the June 12 battles, which led to the present democratic era in Nigeria. He expressed that these shared struggles form the basis of his strong connection with the media, which remains untarnished. Tinubu made these remarks through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the 70th Anniversary Gala, Award Night, and Book Presentation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja over the weekend. Idris noted that President Tinubu is not only a supporter of the media but also has democratic credentials that were influenced by his alliances with Nigeria’s bravest journalists. He stated, “From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the presidency, his bond with the press is unparalleled.” The President took the opportunity at the forum to urge media professionals to positively showcase Nigeria’s democratic accomplishments and success stories, as this could strengthen the country’s 26-year democratic path and build public trust in government institutions. He emphasized the importance of the media in leading the narrative around Nigeria’s democratic successes in governance reforms, infrastructure development, civic participation, and social and economic progress. Idris expressed concern over the prevalence of fake news, misinformation, and the disruptive effects of artificial intelligence on journalism. He cautioned that the emergence of generative AI and deepfake technology presents a significant threat to trustworthy journalism. “In today’s world, ethical journalism is not only significant, but also crucial.” He disclosed plans by the Federal Government, in collaboration with UNESCO, to create the first-ever Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, which aims to be a pioneering initiative for advancing media accountability and literacy in the digital era. Idris mentioned that, once fully established, the Institute will function as a pivotal center for fostering ethical journalism and responsible citizenship in Nigeria. The Minister also shared the government’s readiness to collaborate with the NUJ regarding journalist welfare, digital advancements, gender equity, and institutional support. Additionally, esteemed elder statesman and veteran journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba, encouraged the Federal Government and NUJ leadership to take decisive action against the rise of fake journalism in Nigeria. Osoba warned that the integrity and future of the journalism profession are in jeopardy if fraudsters continue to compromise professional standards. He emphasized that the NUJ is the primary organization, referring to other NUJ-related groups as merely “clubs.” Reflecting on his transition from analog to digital journalism, Osoba urged current journalists to embrace new innovations. I used to work as an analog journalist, but now I am proud to say that I am a digital reporter. Change is unavoidable. Reporters need to evolve in order to endure. He urged the media to resist misinformation, maintain truth and public accountability, and respect the memory of the press’s fallen heroes. Our field is facing attacks due to political meddling and a decline in ethical standards.