Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the Nigerian media to strengthen democracy by embracing constructive criticism and critical thinking in their reportage.

Shettima made the call in Abuja during the public presentation of the book My Life and Journalists Hangout and the 60th birthday celebration of veteran journalist, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

He said the media must act as partners in progress, stressing that democracy thrives not only on elections and institutions but also on a media culture that interrogates ideas and holds power accountable.

According to him, societies decline when ideas go unchallenged and when citizens fail to question prevailing narratives.

“A society is destroyed not by the absence of ideas, but by the absence of men and women with the courage to interrogate ideas,” he said.

The Vice President commended Kolade-Otitoju for nurturing a culture of critical engagement through his television programme, Journalists Hangout, describing him as a symbol of intellectual courage and integrity in journalism.

He noted that the media, at its best, should serve as a “republic of conscience,” guiding public discourse and preventing the spread of misinformation and unverified claims.

Shettima added that critical thinking in journalism helps discipline national conversations, protects society from conspiracy theories, and promotes reasoned public debate.

He praised the celebrant’s decades-long career, noting that maintaining integrity and relevance in journalism over time is a rare achievement.

Also speaking, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the media for its role in promoting democracy and national development.

In his review of the book, Kyari Mohammed said the publication provides deep insights into journalism, governance, and public life, recommending it to policymakers and practitioners.

Earlier, former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Danladi Bako, described Kolade-Otitoju as a courageous professional dedicated to public reasoning.

Other speakers, including Sunday Dare, Gbenga Aruleba, and Abike Dabiri, also paid tribute to the journalist’s contributions to media and democratic development in Nigeria. (Arise News)

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