Media
Need for Nigerians to Shun Fake News
By Oko Pascal Adinya
The rapid growth of technology, coupled with the ever-expanding realm of information technology and social media, poses a pressing threat to our society and nation. The dissemination of false information possesses the potential to disrupt the delicate fabric of our society and indeed, the entire country.
No doubt, the proliferation of numerous social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok and others has made it effortless for malicious actors to circulate fake news at lightning speed. Regrettably, people often neglect to scrutinize the authenticity of the information they share. Nigeria’s rich tapestry of ethnic diversity makes it particularly susceptible to the divisive nature of fake news.Fabricated stories pitting one tribe against another or one political party against its rival can sow discord and even incite violence. Indisputably, the creation and dissemination of fake news has a sinister motive. Its purpose is to deceive, breed mistrust, undermine democratic processes, propagate debunked scientific claims, obscure the truth and incite violence. The spread of fake news has provided a breeding ground for hate speech and unpleasant conspiracy theories, deliberately crafted to foster discontent. Even politicians engage in this practice to tarnish their opponents or discredit opposing parties, sometimes resorting to maligning entire ethnic groups.
Fake News also has damaging effects on critical sectors. For instance, the impact of fake news on medical science is painfully apparent. It impedes people from making informed decisions and enhancing their quality of life. Spurious stories that present immunization, as a covert birth control method has the capacity to dissuade many from participation, thus exposing them to preventable diseases. Additionally, Fake news exerts a detrimental influence on investment decisions. The promotion of dubious brands can lead individuals to overspend or fall victim to scams propagated by false information. Sadly, many have suffered financial losses due to such deceitful practices.Even governments and their well-intentioned projects and programmes do not escape the clutches of fake news. Its effects make it challenging for citizens to perceive the truth and appreciate government’s efforts to uplift their lives. The proliferation of fake news has caused numerous communities to oppose government initiatives that would otherwise benefit them.
Likewise, Fake news has the potential to foment disharmony and violence within a society. False narratives, whether online or physical, aimed at specific groups can instil fear or subject individuals to harassment. Most times, the media is complicit in the deliberate spread of false information for ulterior motives. Activities of individuals like Jackson Ude, accused severally for their penchant for spreading fake news have dire consequences for the country. Recently, Ude tweeted a damaging falsehood alleging that judges from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) were drafting their judgments in the residence of the former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola. This allegation caused public outrage as it was capable of plunging the country into crisis had it not been exposed as false.
Another instance of the harmful effects of fake news is the false claim by MyNigeria, a media outlet based outside the country alleging that the recent hike in fuel prices resulted from extortion by some security forces. Such misleading narratives not only creates public unrest but also erode trust in government institutions. Furthermore, unethical journalism practices, characterized by inciting and sensational reporting by the likes of Samuel Ogundipe’s People’s Gazette and Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters pose grave concerns. These individuals seem to have abandoned the fundamental principles of ethical journalism and opted, instead to perpetuate sensationalism and discord.
The impact of these actions is profound. They foster a climate of misinformation and distrust in the media, undermine public confidence in crucial institutions and can even incite unnecessary social and political turmoil. In an era where the media is meant to be a reliable source of information and accountability, such compromise of ethical standards can have far-reaching consequences for the country as a whole. t is even unfortunate that these individuals live outside the country, yet continue to churn out Fake News to destabilise their home country. By abusing jurisdictional boundaries, they continue to pursue divisive actions.
Unfortunately, these persons are ignorant of the fact that their relatives still reside in the country, thus when the country burns, it would also consume them. A popular adage says do not throw a stone in the market place because you do not know on whose head it will land. Persons and groups that spread Fake News because it serves their temporary interest should take a moment to consider the real-world consequences of their actions. They should understand that disseminating fake news is harmful. Our society and our country can only thrive when we minimize and actively discourage the spread of fake news, if not eradicate it altogether.
Oko Pascal Adinya is a Legal Practitioner and Public Affairs Commentator writing from Makurdi, Benue State
By David Torough, Abuja
OurNigeria Magazine has announced plans for its 2025 OurNigeria Awards Ceremony, an annual event dedicated to celebrating Nigerians whose leadership, service and commitment to national development have made measurable impact across key sectors of the country.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2025, at 6:00 p.
m. at the Abuja Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory.In a press conference by the magazine’s editorial board, Chairman of the Editorial Board, Dr. AK Peters, said the awards remain its flagship initiative aimed at promoting excellence, patriotism and positive national values, while recognising individuals whose contributions often go uncelebrated.
The theme for the 2025 edition, “Providing a Podium for the Unsung Hero,” underscores the magazine’s mission to spotlight Nigerians who have demonstrated courage, sacrifice and consistency in nation-building, frequently without commensurate public recognition.
For the 2025 awards, the magazine has selected three distinguished Nigerians for top honours. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, will be honoured as Man of the Year, while Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, emerges as Governor of the Year. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has also been named Senator of the Year.
The organisers said the honourees were selected after a rigorous editorial assessment process, stakeholder consultations and a review of their leadership records, public service and national influence within the period under review.
The ceremony is expected to bring together key leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, the diplomatic community and the media, with the aim of celebrating exemplary leadership and inspiring renewed commitment to national service.
In addition, the magazine released a draft list of national awardees and special guests ahead of its 7th Our Nigeria News Awards scheduled for 2026. The list includes prominent political leaders, military officers, academics, civil society advocates, entrepreneurs and media professionals who have distinguished themselves in service, leadership and advocacy.
Among those listed are Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of the Year, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Democratic Leadership, and Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji as Banker of the Year.
Several lifetime achievement and special recognition awards are also slated for figures in scholarship, interfaith dialogue, youth leadership, community service and public service.
The event is expected to feature high-profile dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Distinguished Guest of Honour, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon as Father of the Day, and retired Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai as Chairman of the Awards.
Our Nigeria Magazine expressed appreciation to its media partners and stakeholders for their continued support in promoting positive Nigerian narratives and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Practicing Journalists in Kogi state have expressed readiness to partner with the State Internal Revenue Service on tax administration enlightenment and adequate publicity of its activities.
Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Segun Salami, gave the indication when he led his members on a visit to the Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Salihu Sule Enehe.
Salami promised a robust collaboration with the agency in creation of public awareness on the need for all taxable citizens to embrace prompt payment of their personal income taxes.
“Our task as journalists is to assist the agency in meeting up with its target of revenue generation for Kogi government through our social responsibility duty of enlightening the people to key into regular and prompt payment of their taxes as when due
“Journalists also owe it as a duty to alert citizens on the need to contribute their quota towards the development of their state and the nation in general by meeting up with their financial commitment on prompt tax payment”
Salami advocated for quarterly media interaction with the agency as part of the partnership move in publicising its activities.
He commended the Executive Chairman and his management team for the resouding success so far recorded in generating more revenue for the state government to provide the needed democracy dividends to the people.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Salihu Sule Enehe, expressed delight over the prevailing cordial relationship between his angency and practicing Journalists in Kogi since assumption of office.
He promised to sustain the feat in the interest of both parties geared towards achieving accelerated transformation of Kogi.
Enehe also gave an assurance that he would live above board under the partnership agreement which according to him would go a long way in improving the agency’s services of mobilizing resources for the development of the state.
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