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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The Nigerian media industry has been urged to take a firm stand against the growing menace of misinformation in the digital age. Stakeholders made this call at the 2025 Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, under the theme “Journalism and the Fight Against Misinformation in a Digital Age.”
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Abraham Akpabio, explained the rationale behind the theme, noting that misinformation had become a major obstacle to the credibility of journalism and national stability.
“After celebrating the Press Week 2025, it was needful for us to address this issue of misinformation, which has given media practitioners and the nation at large great concern,”.
Stressing that journalists must make fact-checking a priority before releasing stories for publication. According to him, “If we don’t check our facts, things will continue to deteriorate among us. With the lectures given today, I believe it will bring a change not only to media practitioners but also to the society in general.”
The chairman also appealed to the government at all levels to support journalists in the course of their duties. He expressed optimism that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would implement measures that would make misinformation a thing of the past.
Akpabio further commended the Federal Government for instituting the Cybercrime Policy, describing it as a welcome development. “In the nearest future, with all stakeholders joining hands to fight this menace, it will be eradicated,” he added.
In the same vain, The Chief Launcher of the event, Mr. Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing at LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, praised the Correspondents’ Chapel for its efforts and particularly for unveiling its magazine, The Chapel.
Akande emphasized the danger misinformation poses to corporate organisations, noting that false reports have ruined reputations and businesses.
“Misinformation can mar the image of organizations. In the age of information today, we must take verification seriously. If you don’t know the source of information, don’t share it. And if you must share, ensure you verify what you are sharing”.
He described journalists as “defenders of the defenceless,” urging them to continue upholding truth, fairness, and accuracy in their work. He also advised the public to be more responsible in their consumption and dissemination of information.
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Representing the NUJ Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Vice Chairman of the council, Mr. Philip Nwosu, reiterated the importance of professional ethics in combating misinformation.
“Journalists must verify their facts before publishing stories to avoid misinformation. Balancing information is important. Once this is done, journalists will not get into trouble. Clarifying your facts ensures your reportage is accurate,” he said.
Nwosu also highlighted the legal framework guiding journalism practice in Nigeria, reminding practitioners that a diploma in journalism remains the minimum qualification required by law.
He called on journalists to familiarize themselves with the Cybercrime Act, stressing that its provisions were crucial in guiding responsible reporting in the digital era.
The Press Week featured lectures and discussions tailored to the professional and social development of journalists. A keynote lecture on “Journalism and the Fight Against Misinformation in a Digital Age” was delivered by Mr. Nwosu, while Mr. Dara Musa from the Lagos State Ministry of Health presented a health talk.
The event also attracted dignitaries, including the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Officer, Mr. Samuel Asuquo, represented by Mrs. Grace Eden, and several senior NUJ members.
In addition, the unveiling of The Chapel magazine served as one of the major highlights of the programme. The launch attracted goodwill donations from individuals and organizations in support of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
Across all the contributions, a common message resonated: the fight against misinformation requires collective effort. Journalists were urged to recommit to accuracy and fairness, while government and private stakeholders were tasked to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for media practice.
As digital platforms continue to drive information flow, the stakeholders agreed that the credibility of the press depends largely on its ability to serve as a reliable gatekeeper of facts in an era flooded with half-truths and falsehoods.
The programme brought together journalists, government officials, and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on the rising challenges of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, while also charting a path forward for credible reporting in Nigeria.
