By Ridwanullah Sakariyah
President Bola Tinubu on Friday said reading newspapers every morning has become an “addiction” for him, revealing that he goes through headlines daily before starting his work.
Mr Tinubu made the remark while hosting media proprietors and executives at an Iftar dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to President Tinubu, following news reports and headlines helps him understand public opinion and the criticisms directed at his administration.
Tinubu said, “There is no morning that I ever leave my house without going through the newspapers.”
“It’s an addiction. I read all of you, might not be in full detail, but the headline, the one that hit me.”
The President explained that media reports, including critical commentaries, have played a role in shaping his leadership since he assumed office.
Tinubu admitted that the heavy criticism from newspapers and opinion leaders during the early days of his administration initially made him react strongly.
He told the gathering, “I was just initially at the beginning of this administration a little stubborn because the hit was on from the papers and from various opinion leaders in this country.”
Despite the criticism, the President said he does not see journalists and commentators as enemies. Instead, he described them as people contributing to the development of the country.
He said, “I don’t categorise anybody as arch-critical. I see them as simulators who can build a nation.”
The President added that he remains open to criticism and believes the media has a role in challenging leaders to perform better.
Addressing the media executives, Tinubu said, “You didn’t spare me but you challenged me and provoked that intellectual curiosity of a leader that must perform.”
The Iftar meeting brought together owners and senior executives from print, television, radio and online media organisations across the country.
The event formed part of the President’s engagements with key stakeholders during the closing days of the 2026 Ramadan season.
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