The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is being encouraged to promote national awareness and curb the spread of false information via its editorial supervision.
These were among the recommendations shared during the 3rd Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial lecture that took place yesterday in Lagos.
In discussing the topic: 'Journalism and the challenges of nation building in a multi-ethnic society,' the governor of Bauchi, Senator Bala Mohammed, referred to the nation as a multi-ethnic society, highlighting the importance of the media using their profession to promote unity.
"Journalism goes beyond simply covering events. It plays a role in molding the nation's spirit. In a diverse society such as ours, where language, faith, and geography frequently determine identity, the media should assist in building a sense of national awareness — an awareness that emphasizes fairness, capability, and common future," he stated.
The governor, represented by his chief of staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa, recognized the contribution of journalism during the colonial and military periods, crediting the media's role for the country's freedom from those times.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the absence of editorial control in the digital era has led to an overwhelming influx of both information and false content.
Nowadays, the dangers have changed but are just as dangerous. The digital era has unleashed a torrent of information and false data. Social media has made communication more accessible but has also weakened the concept of truth.
'Artificial intelligence is now making news, but who examines the core of these developments,' he stated.
He mentioned that financial power has undermined editorial freedom, putting readers at the mercy of this influence.
"There's the damaging effect of large sums of money. Politicians, companies, and interest groups now vie to control stories, rather than just shaping policies. Editorial freedom faces ongoing challenges, and the lure of exchanging truth for access has never been stronger," he stated.
The Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi, also highlighted the importance of journalism in the country's development, referring to the profession as the foundation for building the nation.
The official whose address was given by Bayo Onanuga, the President Bola Tinubu's Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, sounded the warning about the proliferation of false information on social platforms, calling it a formula for ruin.
It is impossible to have a nation without journalism or the media, and above all, a free press. They are interconnected.
The government must listen and the people must be heard, so journalists serve as intermediaries, acting as the channel that connects the government with the public. Unfortunately, our industry is currently facing challenges.
Recently, there was an article in the newspaper about the son of Babaginda declining a government position through a letter written by the young man. This is the sort of situation we face. Many of us shared or reprinted that statement, and there are guidelines.
Don't constantly share content you come across on social media. It's frequently inaccurate. As journalists, we must uphold the standards that define our field, and whenever you receive any information, always verify its accuracy.
"You must confirm your details. If you continue spreading false information everywhere, eventually, with our pen, we will ignite our nation because false news spreads, and before you can locate it," he stated.
He called on NGE to stand firm against the difficulties facing the profession.
"I believe our Editors' Guild has numerous responsibilities to ensure that those engaged in journalism adhere to the established guidelines," he stated.
Mr. Femi Adesina, who previously served as the Special Adviser for Media and Publicity to the late President Muhammad Buhari, referred to the media as an integral part of activism, emphasizing the importance of professionals fulfilling their duties.
Previously, the President, NGE, Eze Anaba, mentioned that the lecture was held to offer perspectives on the role of journalism in effectively supporting the creation of an inclusive and united society.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).