President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for combating misinformation and promoting truthful narratives about the country.
The president made the call on Monday at the launch of ‘My Nigeria, My Responsibility’, a national reorientation campaign held in Abuja.
Represented by Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, Tinubu said the country’s democratic stability and reputation depend on citizens’ willingness to counter falsehoods and highlight Nigeria’s progress, innovation and peace.
The president said the new campaign aims to strengthen civic consciousness and foster a shared sense of duty among Nigerians.
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According to him, patriotism is not merely emotional but practical — and is best expressed through daily actions such as paying taxes, respecting institutions and upholding the nation’s values.
“Your responsibility is to own our story: Be an ambassador of truth. In the digital age, do not weaponize misinformation. Highlight the progress, the innovation, the peace,” he said.
“Your responsibility is to live our values: Embody the Citizens’ Charter of National Values through integrity, patriotism, diligence, tolerance, and excellence, in your workplace, community, and online interactions.”
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Tinubu announced that the federal government will launch the National Media and Information Literacy Institute in February 2026.
The institute, he said, will equip citizens with tools to verify information, resist online manipulation and engage ethically in the public sphere.
Speaking at the event, Umaru Pate, vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, described the campaign as a call to “self-accountability, collective renewal and thoughtful action”.
He said responsible citizenship must go hand in hand with responsible leadership.
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“While we call on citizens to act, leadership is also reminded to earn the trust of the citizens by demonstrating accountability, prioritizing national interest over personal interest, ensuring fairness in resource allocation, strengthening institutions, and providing opportunities for the youth,” he said.
Nasir Ja’oji, senior special assistant to the president on citizenship and leadership, said the campaign is a flagship initiative under the renewed hope agenda to promote responsibility, patriotism and shared ownership of nation-building.
“This campaign will engage communities, students, professionals, traditional institutions, influencers, and private sector actors across all six geopolitical zones,” he said.
The presidential aide noted that the initiative seeks to strengthen civic consciousness, inspire behavioural change and empower Nigerians to actively shape the country’s future.
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