By Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged the media to refrain from romanticising serious national issues, warning that such practices distort public understanding and undermine democracy.
In a speech delivered by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Modibbo Umar, at the 17th LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima stressed that the media’s role should focus on truth and accountability, particularly amid growing pressures to sensationalise public discourse.
“We must resist the temptation to romanticise serious national issues or frame them in ways that distort public understanding,” Shettima cautioned. “Doing so only weakens the fabric of our democracy and derails our collective efforts at nation-building.”
The conference, themed ‘Challenges and Opportunities In Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism’, served as a platform for key stakeholders in governance, business, and civil society to discuss the challenges facing the country and how leadership can address them.
Shettima also commended Pulsewireng Newspapers Group for its commitment to insightful journalism. “I commend LEADERSHIP Newspaper for the vision to convene this vital discourse and for shining the light on those who have chosen to lead with courage and competence,” he added.
The Vice President’s remarks come as part of his continued call for media responsibility in reporting national issues, which he believes is essential for the country’s growth and development.
