The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger collaboration between the government, citizens, and the media, describing ethical journalism and accountability as essential pillars for strengthening democracy and national development.

The minister made the call while delivering his address at the inaugural AREWA Media Summit, where he commended the convener, Maalana Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, for bringing together journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators, academics, communication professionals, and policymakers to discuss the future of media in northern Nigeria.

Listen: excerpts from the AREWA Media Summit address

He stressed that the government, citizens, and the media should be seen as partners rather than competing interests in building a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria.