NIGER BLOGGERS, ONLINE PUBLISHERS AND CONTENT DEVELOPERS GROUP REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abuja, Nigeria — The Niger Bloggers, Online Publishers and Content Developers Group has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism, ethical digital publishing and the promotion of Nigeria’s national interest following a one-day summit held in Abuja under the theme, “Nigeria First, Before Anything.”

The summit was hosted by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, and convened by Yahaya Mohammed Usman and Nurudeen Isiyaku Daza. It brought together bloggers, online publishers, content developers and other media practitioners to deliberate on patriotism, national development, professional ethics and the influence of digital media on public perception.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Yunusa Umar, an expert in International Affairs and Area Studies from Beijing Foreign Studies University, China, emphasised the importance of patriotism and responsible communication in shaping Nigeria’s image locally and internationally.

Dr. Umar urged Nigerians to avoid spreading false, negative or disparaging narratives about the country out of anger or frustration, warning that irresponsible online publications could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s international reputation.

Sharing a personal experience, he disclosed that he had once been denied a visa to another country amid negative narratives about Nigeria circulating on social media. He also highlighted differences in the legal and social consequences of public criticism across countries, stressing the need for citizens to understand the implications of their communication.

In a goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Enlightenment, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, charged media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsible journalism.

He acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to criticise government policies and public officials but emphasised that such criticism should be constructive, factual and guided by the national interest.

The second session featured an engagement with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who underscored the importance of verifying information before publication, particularly in an era when digital technology has enabled virtually anyone with a smartphone to function as a reporter, editor and publisher.

The minister urged bloggers, online publishers and content developers to prioritise accuracy, professionalism and national interest in their editorial decisions, noting that responsible information dissemination remains essential to national development.

He also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in building a stronger nation.

The minister further pledged to sustain quarterly engagements with Niger State bloggers, online publishers and content developers. He also promised to expand future programmes into two-day events to accommodate broader participation, capacity building, knowledge sharing and more extensive discussions on the media industry.

SUMMIT RESOLUTIONS

At the conclusion of the summit, participants unanimously adopted six resolutions reaffirming the group’s commitment to responsible journalism and national development.

The forum expressed profound appreciation to the Minister of Information and National Orientation for hosting the engagements and committing to sustained interactions with media practitioners from Niger State.

Participants pledged to uphold the highest standards of journalism, professionalism, accuracy and ethical conduct while applying the lessons acquired during the summit to their daily activities.

The group also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s image positively while exercising its constitutional responsibility to hold public officials accountable through constructive criticism, factual reporting and responsible public engagement.

The forum further appreciated Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz for his participation and contributions on responsible journalism and national development.

Participants welcomed the minister’s commitment to quarterly engagements and the expansion of future programmes into two-day sessions to strengthen professional development and encourage wider participation.

The group also acknowledged the contributions of the resource persons, organisers, participants and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the success of the summit.

The communiqué concluded with appreciation to all attendees and wishes for safe journeys back to their respective destinations.

The summit reaffirmed the need for a responsible, patriotic and professionally guided digital media community that promotes national unity, protects the public interest and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

Signed:

Niger Bloggers, Online Publishers and Content Developers Group

Issued at the end of the one-day summit held in Abuja.