Owerri, Imo State | November 27, 2024
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called on journalists across Nigeria to embrace fact-checking as a critical tool in the fight against the rising tide of fake news. Addressing delegates at the 8th Triennial National Delegates’ Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Owerri, the governor emphasized the devastating impact of misinformation on the nation’s socio-political stability.
Governor Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, highlighted instances where fake news had fueled crises and undermined electoral processes. He urged media practitioners to prioritize accuracy by verifying their materials before publication or broadcast.
“In an era where fake news is a global menace, Nigerian journalists must uphold the ethics of their profession by ensuring objective, unbiased, and credible reportage,” Uzodimma said. He also called for the adoption of developmental journalism to hold leaders accountable and promote grassroots development.
The governor commended Nigerian journalists for their dedication to the profession, which he said has contributed to the country’s stability. He applauded the outgoing NUJ leadership, led by Chief Chris Isiguzo, for redefining journalism and achieving significant milestones during its tenure.
In his address, Chief Isiguzo expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for hosting the conference and supporting media-driven governance. Reflecting on his six-year tenure, he highlighted achievements such as enhanced member training and global representation of the union. He urged members to remain united and committed to advancing the profession.
A key highlight of the event was the investiture of Governor Uzodimma as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The conference, which brought together over 1,000 journalists from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, served as a platform to chart the future of the profession in a rapidly changing media landscape.
