…as Onanuga wants editors, journalists to fight fake news
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has requested Nigerian journalists to work towards nation-building and help in creating national consciousness that will tilt the mindsets of Nigerians towards peace, harmony, unity and justice.
The Bauchi State governor, who delivered a keynote addresss at the Third Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos on Wednesday with the theme, â€Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society’, charged editors and leaders in the media profession to deepen conversations on nation building and training of young journalists.
Governor Mohammed, represented by Aminu Gamawa, his Chief of Staff, stated that “journalism is not just about reporting events, it is about shaping the nation’s soul.”
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“In a multi-ethnic society like ours, where language, religion, and geography too often define identity, the media must help create national consciousness — a consciousness that values justice, merit, and shared destiny”, he added.
He stated that part of the media’s role in nation-building includes ensuring that Nigeria must not be a federation of ethnicities, but rather she must be a nation of citizens.
“This requires cultivating a national ethos: values that transcend our differences. Respect for life. Rule of law. Dignity of labour. Truth over tribe,” he stated.
Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential spokesman, who also represented Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said no country can survive without the Press (Press Freedom).
He, however, charged media professionals to collectively address the issue of fake news as an industry, saying, “fake news travels a lot” in the country.
In the discussion of the keynote presentation by Governor Bala Mohammed, some leaders of the profession, including Femi Adesin, a challenged media professionals to promote and live by the ethos of the profession, especially on the back of the celebrant’s dedication and selfless service, first as a Journalist and later as the first Executive Governor of Lagos State.
Emeka Izeze, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian, called for objective reportage, while reiterating that the Government cannot function effectively without journalism.
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Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Punch, said the media’s role in nation-building is not recognised enough. Hence, he advocated a strong, independent and free media
Funke Egbemode, former President of NGE, also called for training within the larger media industry, saying journalists must deepen in-house training.
Eze Anaba, 17th President of the NGE, earlier in his welcome address, said the guild would continue to celebrate late Lateef Jakande and the things he stood for in the journalism profession.
According to him, the lecture is part of a broader national dialogue on how journalists can contribute meaningfully to building an inclusive and cohesive society.
“As journalists, you represent a unique and strategic position. We have to power to influence narratives, shape opinions, and promote national values,”, Anaba said.
