Stakeholders Task Journalists on Ethical Standards, Fact-Checking Amidst Insecurity

As the nation grapples with the dual challenges of rising insecurity and the proliferation of misinformation, media stakeholders have issued a stern charge to journalists and digital content creators to prioritize professional ethics, accuracy, and security-conscious reporting.

​The call was made during an intensive Seminar on Responsible Reporting in the Era of Insecurity and Fake News held in Ibadan, where industry leaders converged to address the growing threat of information pollution.

​Dr. Taiwo Adisa, Editor of the Nigerian Tribune and former Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, set the tone for the event by emphasizing that the integrity of the profession rests entirely on the pursuit of truth. He lamented the prevalence of “doctored truth” in the current media landscape, noting that such compromises are particularly dangerous in a volatile climate. Dr. Adisa urged practitioners to resist the temptation of sensationalism, insisting that journalists must remain bastions of factual accuracy regardless of the circumstances.

​The legal implications of reckless reporting took center stage as Adebayo Sekoni, Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria and a legal practitioner, warned that the media space is governed by strict regulations. He specifically drew the attention of journalists to the Cybercrimes Act, cautioning that ignorance of the law is no excuse. He warned that those who hide behind digital platforms to disseminate fake news will face the full force of the law, as the era of operating with impunity is over.

​Echoing these sentiments, the General Manager of News Frontiers Television, Rev. Eben Durodola, stressed that the battle against fake news is a collective societal responsibility. He challenged media practitioners to adopt rigorous verification and fact-checking protocols before disseminating information, while further advocating for the integration of media literacy into school curricula to better prepare future generations.

​Akeem Abas, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, underscored the union’s unwavering commitment to fostering professionalism. While promising that the council will continue to shield journalists from harassment, unlawful arrests, and intimidation, he issued a strong disclaimer against professional misconduct.

​”We shall not defend recklessness, fake news, blackmail, or unethical conduct disguised as journalism,” Abas declared. “Freedom of the press comes with corresponding obligations and accountability. The NUJ remains committed to promoting ethical journalism and resisting every attempt to drag the profession into disrepute.”

​The event, which saw a robust turnout of media executives and communication experts, was lauded by representatives from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and various civil society organizations. They collectively commended the Oyo State NUJ for its proactive stance in ensuring that the media plays a constructive role in stabilizing the nation’s security landscape.

​The seminar concluded with a renewed pledge from participants to strengthen democratic values through responsible communication, affirming that the integrity of the media remains the ultimate safeguard for national development.