Stakeholders Identify Measure To Combat Fake News Pandemic
Written by News Desk on October 3, 2024
Media experts have identified the need for stakeholders to improve the quality and credibility of traditional media to prevent Nigeria and other African nations from becoming the dumping ground for fake news.
This formed the highlight of submissions at a Public Lecture and Special recognition of outstanding media professionals, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B, in Abeokuta, Ogun State in commemoration of the Country’s 64th Independence.
Speaking on the theme” Nigeria at 64: Journalism in the Face of Socio-economic Challenges” the Guest lecturer, Chief Dare Babarinsa said it was necessary for media organizations to invest more in their employees and motivate them to provide credible information to the people in fulfilling the vital role of building a well informed society.
Chief Babarinsa encouraged the government at all levels to revive the old practice of creating access for government officials to get copies of newspapers in their offices, noting the need for ethical and moral rebirth in the industry amidst collective efforts to rescue journalism from the harsh effects of the challenging economic situation.
In a keynote address, a legal practitioner and former Permanent Secretary in Ogun State, Mr. Demola Badejo urged the media owners and the federal government to prioritize training and re-training of journalists in Nigeria to be abreast of international trends, maintaining that well empowered Journalists were capable of promoting good governance, especially during economically challenging times.
Earlier, the Zonal Vice President, NUJ ZONE B, Mrs. Ronke Afebioye-Samo, had said the lecture was aimed at revitalizing the Union members to their roles as the Fourth Estate of the realm saddled with the responsibility of enlightening and educating the public on government policies and programmes.
A Former Secretary, Nigeria Union of journalists, Oyo State Chapter, Mr Bola Ogunlayi and fourteen other Outstanding Media Professionals were honoured with special Awards at the ceremony witnessed by notable leaders in the industry, including the Deputy Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan National Station, Mr Adewumi Faniran.
