By Nafisat Makinde
On Friday, May 24, 2024, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Federal Government took a significant step towards promoting media unity and combating misinformation. The NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, where both parties pledged to work together to advance ethical journalism.
Comrade Yahaya was accompanied by:
- NUJ FCT Council Members:
- Chairman: Comrade Grace Ike
- Deputy National President: Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde
- National Secretary: Comrade Achike Chude
- National Treasurer: Victor Ndukwe
- National Financial Secretary: Samuel Dada
- Vice President Zone D: Adeiza Momoh
- Zonal Secretary: Dauda Mohammed
During the meeting, Yahaya reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professionalism and countering misinformation in the media space. “We are committed to working with the Federal Government to promote professionalism and counter misinformation in the media space,” Yahaya said.
The Minister expressed concern over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies, citing their potential to damage reputations and destabilize public trust. “You could be sitting right here, and someone could superimpose another person’s head onto your body, completely misrepresenting you,” he warned.
The Minister called on the NUJ to lead the fight against fake news and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of purging quacks from the journalism profession and promoting ethical conduct among citizen journalists. He announced the establishment of a UNESCO-approved Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in Nigeria to equip journalists and the public with critical thinking skills.
This partnership between the NUJ and the Federal Government marks a crucial step towards promoting media unity and advancing the interests of journalists in Nigeria. By working together, both parties can ensure that the media industry continues to thrive and play its vital role in shaping the country’s narrative.
