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OPAN Frown at Dissemination of Fake News
The Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) has expressed concern over the dissemination of fake news by some practitioners in the new media.
Mr Austyn Ogannah, OPAN’s president expressed this concern at the annual conference of the association in Lagos, on Tuesday.
He described the practice as unethical and unacceptable, saying that it threatens the peace and stability of the society.
Oganna said that the penchant of some practitioners to unethically dish out fake and malicious news just to draw traffic was eroding the credibility of the new media.
He described the new media as the future of journalism in view of its potential to reach more readers and stimulate development.
Oganna however said if the new media must realise its potential of influencing decisions and promoting development, the issue of fake news must be addressed.
“The issue of dissemination of fake news in the new media is creating a lot of credibility issue and we are deeply concerned.
“Though there are so many online publishers doing the right thing, the democratisation of the new media space has thrown up those who are not adhering to the ethics
“We need to deal with the issue. We need to entrench credibility in our practice. OPAN will continue to pursue efforts to address the issue,” he said.
Ogannah said it would be difficult to police or regulate the new media because of its open and liberal nature.
He, however, said OPAN would engage all its members on the need to shun fake news and operate by the ethics.
He said the conference was part of efforts to highlight the conversation to promote credibility in the new media.
According to him, OPAN, through exchange of ideas and mentorship from the leading lights in the industry, hoped to address the problem.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a panel of media experts spoke on the ways the new media could restore its credibility.
One of the panelists, spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the new media was critical to the development of democracy.
He said that for the new media to live to its responsibilities, it must be self-regulated to address blackmail and fake news.
Abdullahi said the regulation of the social media should not be done to the extent of emasculating the media space.
“We should strike a balance between regulation of the new media and emasculation
of the space.
“The issue of fake news is dangerous. There should be a check so that people cannot just come to the space and dish out what could hurt the society.
“In some countries, you can’t just come online and post things that are not pleasant or untrue. You will be tracked.
“Also, in China, there are some websites you cannot open as a matter of regulation.
“The credibility of the new media is very important to the stability of the society and survival of democracy,” he said.
He urged media practitioners not to colour their reports with religious and ethnic sentiments in view of the dangers it might pose to the society.
Another panelist, Mr Kolawole Ologbodiyan, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) said he was opposed to the regulation of the social media.
He said the new media was one of the best things to have happened to democracy, as it widens access to information and promotes free speech.
Ologbodiyan, however, urged users and players in the new media industry to always verify information before sending or sharing them out.
He said the Freedom of Information (FOI) was one of the legacies of the PDP-led government, to empower the media and citizens on accountability in government.
Ologbodiyan, however, frowned at the poor use of the Act to ask questions from government, urging the media to rise up to the occasion.
“The media should rise to the occasion and use the FOI tool to promote good governance,” he said.
The founder of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, said remuneration of staff was key to ensuring credibility of the media.
He said if reporters are not paid their salaries, they might compromise ethics and truth in their work. (NAN)
Source News Express
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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