By Babs Oyetoro
In a renewed push to restore professional integrity, safeguard public trust, and combat the menace of fake news, the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) has urged media practitioners to recommit to ethical journalism, particularly in the face of the challenges posed by the digital age.
The call was made during a one-day workshop themed “Public Trust & Ethical Journalism in the Digital Age” held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
The event brought together practising journalists across the South-West, Mass Communication students, and members of the academic community in what participants described as an enriching and enlightening engagement.
Delivering his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of NPC, Dr Dili Ezughah, warned that Nigeria’s democratic consolidation, national unity, and socio-economic development could be jeopardised if the media fails to uphold its role as a credible pillar of democracy.
He stressed that the rise of online platforms, citizen journalism, and algorithm-driven content has created an environment where misinformation, sensationalism, and unverified content often drown out factual reporting.
“The media is not just a watchdog of democratic institutions but also a platform for civic education and public enlightenment. Once public trust is eroded by unethical practices, lack of accountability, and digital misinformation, credibility suffers—and so does democracy itself,” Ezughah declared.
He cautioned against the lure of monetary gains at the expense of ethical standards, warning that such practices would ultimately undermine the profession’s integrity and threaten national peace. “Unchecked spread of false information can breed catastrophe and destabilise the nation,” he added.
Highlights of the workshop included two keynote lectures.
In his presentation titled “Embracing Fact-checking to Enhance Public Trust”, Prof Olunifesi Suraj argued that while press freedom is vital, it is not absolute.
He emphasised the importance of journalists embracing fact-checking as a professional obligation, noting that freedom without responsibility could devolve into anarchy.
“Public interest must remain the overriding factor in disseminating information,” Suraj emphasised.
In a complementary lecture titled “The Media as a Mass Educator”, veteran journalist Mr Richard Mammah underscored the need for versatility among practitioners.
He reminded participants that journalism is a multifaceted profession, requiring journalists to remain informed and adaptable to provide accurate and reliable information.
“Media is a lifelong teacher. Journalists must constantly update their knowledge so they can serve as true educators to their audience,” Mammah said, drawing from his wealth of professional experience.
Through deliberations, the NPC reinforced its mandate to restore the pride of journalism, urging practitioners to rise above the threats of digital misinformation and recommit to the ethical standards that ensure the profession’s credibility and relevance.
