President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigeria Guild of Editors to tackle issues of fake news and misinformation which according to him are threatening the fabric of Nigerian society.
The President made the appeal in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Wednesday while declaring open, the 2023 conference of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, with the theme: “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technology: Role of the Media” held at Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Uyo.
He noted that journalists should always engage in fact checking, responsible reporting and digital literacy even as he tasked them on operating within the framework of the ethics of journalism with utmost sense of duty and patriotism.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, however assured the Guild of his readiness to promote free and robust media without any intention to stifle the press.
His words, “As you are aware, we are faced with the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and false narratives which threaten the fabric of our society, and it is our collective duty to combat this menace. Through fact-fact checking, responsible reporting, promoting media and digital literacy, we can fortify our defenses against the corrosive effects of fake news.”
In his remarks, the Governor of the State, Pastor Umo Eno commended the media for their role in working to ensure justice, equity and unity in Nigeria as well as economic development.
While noting that he was not asking for a pliant press, the governor urged the media to engender a new template of reportage which would be developmentally oriented.
In his welcome address, the president, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba said the conference was part of Editors’ contributions to the growth and development of not only the media industry but the country in general.
Anaba tasked colleagues on balanced, accurate, factual, and fair reports even as he implored them to make use of fact-checking tools, in disseminating editorial products to the people noting that was the only effective and efficient way to discharge their constitutional duty under Section 22 of holding power to account and upholding human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and democratic principles.
He also urged political actors not to suppress the press saying, “always remember that a free press is like oxygen to a democracy. Let nothing be done to stifle the press or shrink freedom of expression and media freedom under any guise.”
The Chairman on the Occasion , Sam Amuka-Pemu in his address said the Editors have the responsibility to edit reports and remove every unwanted items in their reports that would be churned out to the public.
