Former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, has challenged journalists to rise to the occassion of new developments in journalism, getting acquainted with new digital tools, social media, Artificial Intelligence (AI) among others.

Senator Al-Makura reminded journalists that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria has given them the responsibility of being the watchdog of the society, stressing the need for reinvigorated efforts and commitment to the cause of achieving that.

Speaking at the 2025 Press Week lecture and awards with the theme: Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society, in Abuja, on Tuesday, Senator Al-Makura acknowledged several challenges facing journalists and journalism profession in Nigeria, and urged the professionals to look beyond the challenges, and find a way out.

He said, “As a former Governor, a legislator, and before that, a media man myself, I have seen firsthand how the press functions not only as the mirror of society but as its conscience.

“Journalism is more than reportage. it is the lifeblood of public accountability, the keeper of transparency, and the vessel through which democracy breathes. At the heart of every democratic enterprise lies the well-being of the people.

“Democracy is only worthwhile if it safeguards lives, protects rights, and promotes collective prosperity. These aims can not be realised without a responsible and unfettered press that is free to ask questions, free to probe, and free to tell the truth, even when it is inconvenient.”

Senator Al-Makura made some proposals that, he said, could herald a national agenda for media revitalisation. “This includes a journalist safety and insurance framework: Let us institutionalise protection for media professionals, particularly those in conflict zones or on investigative beats. A Media Innovation and Sustainability Fund: Let both government and private sector stakeholders support digital transition, training, and sustainability for struggling yet essential news outlets.

“Others are Media Literacy Campaigns in Schools and Communities: Empower citizens, especially our youth, to critically engage with media and resist manipulation. A National Fact-Checking Alliance that would foster non-partisan collaboration between media houses and civic-tech institutions to combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.”

Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in his speech, title: Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without rancour, said, “Just a few weeks ago, we held our annual Open Week, a civic engagement initiative where we threw open the gates of the National Assembly to the Nigerian public.

“Thousands of citizens participated in that event, youth groups, media professionals, civil society actors, women organisations, traditional rulers, and government agencies were all represented. We created dedicated sessions for each demography to express their concerns, evaluate our work, and shape our legislative agenda. It was a proud moment of democracy in action, and it reaffirmed our belief in open governance and participatory lawmaking.”

He appreciated the NUJ FCT Council for their contributions to the democracy and governance systems in Nigeria. “But in light of the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the deliberate spread of fake news, particularly through digital and social media platforms, the media need to strengthen a coordinated fact-checking frameworks.

“These should not be isolated initiatives, but structured partnerships between major newsrooms, independent fact-checkers, civil society groups, and relevant government institutions.” Said Speaker Abbas.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in his remarks, disclosed the plans of the federal government to provide more affordable housing facilities for Nigerians, including journalist in Abuja.

Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the Press Week was more a celebration and a time to take stock and work hard towards national development.

Meanwhile, Media Personality Awards for 2025 were presented the Senator Al-Makura, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Musa Dangiwa, while Chief Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the chairman of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), was decorated as Patron of NUJ FCT Council.

The event was graced by former Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Prof. Mohammed Mainoma Akaro; Director Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr. Yan Jin Xi; SSA to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare, amongst many dignitaries.

The Sun Nigeria