Prioritize Truth Over Clicks for Nation Building, Momoh Counsels Media Professionals
In a rallying call to media professionals, Dr. John Momoh, a respected broadcast journalist and mediapreneur, has emphasized the need for the media to prioritize truth over clicks in order to foster nation-building, inclusion, and healing in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors National Biennial Convention in Enugu State, Dr. Momoh, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Channels Media Group, stressed that media professionals have a critical role to play in building a secure and cohesive Nigeria.
“We are not just gatekeepers, we are builders of national conscience,” Dr. Momoh told the gathering of journalists, editors, and newsroom leaders from across Nigeria. “Let’s remind ourselves that nation-building is not just about unity, it’s about empathy, and healing begins with being heard.”
Dr. Momoh’s keynote address centered on the theme of the convention, “Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion and the Media.”
He dissected the theme with passion and precision, urging media professionals to listen to those who feel forgotten and bring them into the national conversation.
“To build a cohesive Nigeria, we must create space for real conversations across divides – between the young and the old, between communities, and between government and the governed,” Dr. Momoh said. “The truth is, there can be no security without justice, no unity without fairness, and no progress without inclusion.”
Dr. Momoh charged media professionals to raise the standard of their work and be fearless but fair.
“Let’s pursue truth, not clicks,” he said. “Let’s nurture the next generation of journalists with integrity and courage. Even in the darkest times, the light of truth can shine from the pressroom.”
The media icon also emphasized the need for the media to reflect the full picture of Nigeria, rather than just a narrow slice.
“We must wield our power responsibly, not only to report conflict but to spotlight solutions, promote understanding, and build bridges,” he said.
Dr. Momoh’s message was clear: the media has a critical role to play in promoting inclusion, justice, and fairness in Nigeria.
“Too many people still feel invisible, too many voices still go unheard,” he said. “Women, youth, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities – they all deserve a seat at the table.”
The convention, which brought together media professionals from across Nigeria, provided a platform for discussion and reflection on the role of the media in building a secure and cohesive Nigeria. Dr. Momoh’s keynote address was seen as a call to action, urging media professionals to prioritize truth, integrity, and fairness in their work.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of building a secure and cohesive nation, the media’s role in promoting inclusion, justice, and fairness will be critical. Dr. Momoh’s message serves as a reminder that the media has the power to shape the national conversation and promote positive change.
