Uzodinma Challenges NUJ to Curb Disinformation and Strengthen Ethical Journalism
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to confront the growing challenges posed by social media practitioners spreading false information nationwide. He emphasized the need for responsible journalism to protect the integrity of the media and its role in nation-building.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the NUJ in Owerri, Imo State, Governor Uzodinma highlighted the difficulty of managing information in a digital age. He warned against leaving this critical task in the hands of individuals driven by selfish ambitions, noting, “As Governor of Imo State, I have been repeatedly subjected to attacks based on twisted information deliberately planted to discredit me.”
The Governor condemned unethical practices and called on the NUJ leadership to redefine its operational framework to address the activities of social media practitioners. He described some of them as “troublemakers” causing significant harm to media practice in Nigeria.
Uzodinma also expressed concern over the public’s inability to distinguish credible news from disinformation spread by so-called internet influencers. He reiterated the importance of a strong, independent press in holding leaders accountable and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The challenges are enormous. The rise of social media, fake news, and disinformation are some of these issues. Here, I recommend adequate media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible journalism,” Uzodinma stated.
To encourage ethical reporting, the Governor announced that Imo State has introduced an award of excellence for journalists who demonstrate responsibility in their work. He urged the NUJ to prioritize upholding the integrity of the profession and addressing disinformation.
Governor Uzodinma also used the occasion to commend the NUJ for choosing Imo State as the host for the national conference, which he said would dispel misconceptions about insecurity in the South-East region.
Experts and NUJ Leadership Call for Professional Standards
In his lecture, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by Professor Okey Ikechukwu, underscored the need for media practitioners to uphold professional integrity. He emphasized that media owners must invest in capacity development and staff welfare to discourage unethical practices.
Dr. Neliaku recommended media literacy, ethical reportage, and curriculum development as essential steps to strengthen the profession. He also called for better remuneration of journalists, especially when they are invited to public speaking engagements.
Outgoing NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, in his valedictory speech, highlighted his administration’s achievements, including raising the educational benchmark for entry into the profession. He said this step was aimed at boosting public confidence in journalists and safeguarding them from exploitation by media owners.
The conference, themed “Media and Democracy: The Journalist’s Role in Holding Leaders Accountable,” served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on ways to enhance the profession and its role in Nigeria’s democratic governance.
