The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, intensified calls for responsible journalism and ethical reporting as it organised an intervention seminar on reporting in the era of insecurity and fake news at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The seminar brought together journalists, media executives, legal practitioners, security experts, bloggers and communication stakeholders to discuss the growing challenges posed by misinformation, insecurity and the implications of cybercrime laws on journalism practice.
Key discussions at the seminar focused on responsible reporting in the era of insecurity, the dangers and consequences of fake news, media ethics and professional standards, understanding cybercrime laws and the legal implications of misinformation, as well as strengthening collaboration between media organisations and security agencies.
Speaking at the event, former Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, urged journalists to remain committed to truth, accuracy and professional integrity regardless of prevailing pressures.
According to him, journalists must ensure that falsehood does not infiltrate newsroom processes through rigorous fact-checking and adherence to ethical standards.
Adisa warned against sensational reporting of insecurity, recalling instances where media reports during the Boko Haram insurgency inadvertently amplified the narratives of criminal groups through poorly framed headlines.
He stressed that while journalists have a duty to report security challenges, they must equally hold governments accountable for their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“Don’t be tired of saying the truth because the truth will always prevail. Journalists must continue to tell the truth and challenge governments to perform their responsibilities in securing citizens and their property,” he said.
Adisa further argued that security remains the primary responsibility of government and urged public officials at all levels to take decisive action against criminal elements threatening national stability.
Also speaking, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Zonal Manager, Adebayo Sekoni, highlighted the legal and ethical obligations guiding journalism practice in Nigeria.
He noted that constitutional provisions, the Freedom of Information Act, the Nigerian Press Council Act, National Broadcasting Commission regulations, the Cybercrime Act and defamation laws collectively regulate media operations and place responsibility on journalists to verify information before publication.
Sekoni expressed concern over the increasing spread of unverified reports on social media platforms, warning that fake news often fuels panic, misinformation and social unrest.
“Sometimes it is better not to publish a story than to publish an unverified report capable of causing panic and damaging reputations,” he said.
He urged journalists to resist pressure to prioritise speed over accuracy, stressing that professional credibility should never be sacrificed for breaking news.
The NAN official also called on public relations officers of security agencies to respond promptly to media enquiries, noting that delayed responses often create opportunities for misinformation to spread.
He emphasised the need for conflict-sensitive reporting, respect for victims of violence and adherence to ethical standards in the use of images and videos associated with security incidents.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, described the seminar as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening professional journalism in an era increasingly dominated by fake news, cyber manipulation and unethical media practices.
Abas lamented that the proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms had enabled individuals without professional journalism training to disseminate unverified information capable of undermining public confidence and national security.
“Fake news is not journalism. Character assassination is not journalism. Blackmail is not journalism. Reckless speculation is not journalism,” he declared.
He warned that careless reporting of insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping and communal conflicts could inflame tensions and endanger lives, urging journalists to prioritise verification, fairness and responsibility before publication.
While acknowledging the relevance of the Cybercrime Act in regulating digital communication, Abas cautioned against its misuse to intimidate journalists performing legitimate constitutional duties.
According to him, democracy can only thrive when the press remains free, fearless and responsible.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ to defending journalists against oppression and unlawful harassment while also discouraging unethical practices disguised as journalism.
The seminar, according to organisers, was designed to equip journalists and bloggers with the knowledge, skills and professional guidance necessary to combat fake news, promote accurate and balanced reporting, and strengthen security-conscious journalism.
Participants were encouraged to embrace continuous professional development, improve fact-checking mechanisms and leverage technology responsibly in order to preserve public trust and uphold the integrity of the journalism profession.
The event concluded with renewed calls for media practitioners to serve as defenders of truth, accountability and national cohesion in an increasingly complex information environment.
