Christianah Alade(Intern)
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have charged journalists to imbibe the theory and practice of fact-checking as a way to close their minds and eyes against falsehood and fake reportage, and must act as impartial conflict mediators.
Penpushing reports that President of the Guild, Eze Anabe gave the charge on Wednesday at the Annual Symposium and 10th Anniversary Celebration of The Academia Campus Journalists Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, in affiliation with the University of Ibadan
The President represented by Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Founder Penpushing Media delivered a paper on the theme, “Journalism and Insecurity: The Roles of Campus Journalists and Professionals in Promoting Peace and National Development”.
Penpushing further reports that he clarified on what is journalism and insecurity, explaining that journalism is the practice of gathering, verifying, and reporting news and information to the public, while insecurity refers to a state of vulnerability to harm, and the lack of safety from threats such as crime, violence, or political instability.
The keynote speaker stated that when these two concepts overlap, they create a highly complex dynamic that defines much of the modern news landscape, stressing that journalism and insecurity intersect in two primary ways, pointing out that journalism can either fuel insecurity or help to fight it.
‘If the pen is mightier than the sword, can it also be mightier than the bomb? It is a known fact that insecurity thrives on misinformation, fear, and division. In other words, journalism can either fuel it or fight it’, he emphasised.
Penpushing also reports that Anaba explained that insecurity in Nigerian higher education includes incidents of mass abductions, cult violence, and attacks on student transport, noting that there can be no investment, no school, and no jobs without security.
The President emphasized that journalism must connect both, warning that a wrong post can cause a stampede or a riot, hence, the need to verify first, adding that media practitioners must also be mindful of political violence and protests
‘Recent events and reports illustrate the security threats on campuses across the country. These include abductions and banditry. Terrorists and armed bandits frequently target tertiary institutions, particularly in northern Nigeria, for kidnappings and ransom demands. This has prompted regional student bodies to raise the alarm over worsening safety’, he said.
‘As media professionals, we must also be mindful of political violence and protests. Rising tensions ahead of state governorship elections have led to threats from student unions, such as NANS, to shut down academic activities’, Anaba stated.
Penpushing reports that he disclosed that the threat of incursions near school environments and federal highways has previously forced the Federal Ministry of Education to temporarily shut down vulnerable Unity Colleges and restrict on-campus activities.
‘There are also travel risks. Student delegations and union leaders traveling via federal highways have been victims of carefully coordinated ambushes and kidnappings. Another challenge is the report of armed invasions in student quarters. In some instances, supposedly deployed security personnel have been accused of harassing and intimidating students. All these continue to drive insecurity’.
Penpushing further reports that on who are campus journalists and their roles, he explained that campus journalists are the “first responders” to news on campus, and they are the earliest warning system.
The keynoted speaker emphasized that being closest to events, they can prevent panic by reporting facts quickly, warning that words like “terrorists” or ‘tribal clash” can deepen divisions, hence, it is better to use neutral and precise terms.
‘Campus journalists also serve as media amplifiers. They can either escalate tension or calm it. As vital catalysts for national development and peacebuilding, they have a role in shaping public narratives, promoting civic education, and giving voice to marginalized groups’
Penpushing also reports that he pointed out that through ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting, as well as constructive dialogue, they counter divisive propaganda and foster societal cohesion.
‘As media professionals, our role is to shape public opinion and drive national progress. We must act as impartial conflict mediators, civic watchdogs, and engines for social mobilization’, Anaba stated.
‘We promote peace by adopting conflict-sensitive reporting, avoiding sensationalism, and countering divisive narratives with stories that foster unity. For national development, we educate citizens on government policies and expose corruption’, he added.
Penpushing reports that Anaba explained that the responsibilities of media professionals in national development and peacebuilding include: promoting peace and conflict resolution -applying frameworks that prioritize de-escalation, with a focus on fair representation and balanced perspectives rather than sensationalizing violence.
The Guild leader stressed that it equally include combating misinformation by actively debunking rumors and hate speech, which are often drivers of ethnic, religious, or political strife, as well as amplifying marginalized voices by broadcasting diverse community perspectives to facilitate dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding among divided groups.
‘Let us imbibe the theory and practice of fact-checking as a way to close our minds and eyes against falsehood and fake reportage. A fact check is the process of verifying the factual accuracy and reliability of statements, claims, or written content. It is widely used in journalism, research, and daily life to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure content is correct before it is published or shared’, he said.
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