By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives,Tajudeen Abbas has underscored the crucial role of a free and professional media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, calling for coordinated efforts to combat fake news and elevate journalism standard in the country.
The speaker stated this Tuesday during the 2025 Press Week organised by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Abuja.
Speaking under the topic, ‘Press Freedom and Democracy: Attaining Professionalism without Rancour,’ Abbas recalled the recent National Assembly Open Week which he said was a testament to participatory democracy.
“We created dedicated sessions for every demographic to express their concerns and shape our legislative agenda. It reaffirmed our belief in open governance,” Abbas stated.
Highlighting the rise of misinformation, especially through social media, the speaker advocated for a robust and unified fact-checking ecosystem in Nigeria.
“These should not be isolated initiatives,” he said, maintaining that structured partnerships between newsrooms, civil society and government institutions should be made to protect the truth.
Lending his voice, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, revealed that the federal government planned to establish more affordable housing schemes, including a Journalism Village in Abuja, adding that the project is aimed at supporting media professionals with decent accommodation.
Other dignitaries present at the event include a former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Professor Mohammed Mainoma Akaro, and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, Mr Yan Jin Xi.
In her address, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike emphasised that the week was not just a celebration, but a moment of introspection, emphasising that “it is a time to take stock, retool our ethics and recommit to the patriotic duty of national development through responsible journalism.”
The 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week ended with a commitment from stakeholders to uphold truth, promote media safety and defend the democratic ideals that keep the nation progressing.
