…Apologises over erroneous report
on WAFCON
The Voice of Nigeria (VON) has introduced key editorial structures, including an investigative desk, a fact-checking unit, and a monitoring and evaluation team, as part of ongoing internal reforms to fight fake news.
“We have also undertaken strategic staff redeployments to enhance accountability, build resilience, and boost editorial efficiency across our platforms,” Jibrin Baba Ndace, director general/CEO, VON, said in a statement.
According to him, the reforms reflect the service’s broader commitment to repositioning VON as a more responsive, transparent, and globally respected media institution.
“At Voice of Nigeria, we embrace the responsibility that comes with being Nigeria’s official international broadcaster. We remain steadfast in our dedication to our three pillars: People, Platform, and Partnership,” Ndace stated.
He also apologized for the erroneous report, which prematurely and falsely announced a Nigerian loss before the conclusion of the match against Morocco on Saturday, saying the error “was both inaccurate and deeply unfortunate.”
According to him, the reforms currently being undertaken by the service was aimed at preventing future occurrence of such erroneous publication on it’s website.
“We sincerely apologize for the misinformation and the confusion it caused. The integrity of our journalism is paramount, and we take this incident seriously.
“Voice of Nigeria aligns with this historic moment, as our Super Falcons mounted a courageous comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2, securing a record-extending tenth WAFCON title and affirming their place at the pinnacle of African women’s football,” Ndace stated.
He disclosed that while initial reviews pointed to an internal lapse, the VON is also investigating the possibility of a security breach or identity theft through hacking, which may have contributed to the wrong publication.
According to him, the VON as a public institution cannot rule out cyber threats and is taking appropriate steps to enhance the security of its digital platforms.
“It is important to clarify that while internal editorial processes are being reviewed and strengthened, we are not placing sole responsibility on any individual staff member, including the sports reporter initially associated with the story.
“Rather, this episode underscores the need for comprehensive institutional safeguards to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the statement concludes.
