Journalists enjoined to uphold truth, support fight against insecurity in Nigeria

Journalists in the country have been admonished to ensure that their reportage is rooted in truth and devoid of bias that could undermine their integrity before God.

Lawal Olohungbebe, Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, gave the admonition during the 2026 annual Iftar of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, themed “Leadership, Media and the Fight Against Insecurity in Society.”

Olohungbebe stressed that journalists, particularly Muslim media practitioners, must be guided by truth, verification, and accountability in their reports, especially at a time when the country is grappling with security challenges.

He affirmed that Islam places great emphasis on verifying information before dissemination, explaining that the Qur’an instructs believers to confirm the authenticity of information before spreading it in order to avoid misleading the public.

The commissioner explained that rumours and misinformation have existed for centuries, even during the time of Prophet Muhammad, when communication was mainly through face-to-face interactions and written letters.

According to him, while it is the duty of journalists to report the truth, media practitioners must also be mindful of the possible consequences of certain reports on public peace and security.

He added that Islamic scholars also had significant roles to play in promoting peace and security within communities.

Also speaking, Maryam Nnafatimah Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, commended the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), for organising the programme.

Imam said the event provided members with the needed spiritual nourishment during the holy month of Ramadan and encouraged journalists to continue to uphold professionalism and moral values in the discharge of their duties.

In his opening remarks, Lanre Ahmed, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, said while the military is responsible for protecting the territorial integrity of the nation, journalists also have the responsibility to ensure their reports do not give undue attention to violent actors who continue to perpetrate acts of violence.

He expressed concern over what he described as needless rivalry among some Islamic scholars in the quest for supremacy.

Ahmed described such attitudes as unfortunate, noting that religious leaders should instead serve as role models and pathfinders for society.

The NUJ chairman also advised the media not to promote such conflicts but to guide the public by focusing on issues that promote unity and moral values.

Also speaking at the event, Seun Ogunniyi, the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Nutrition at the Kwara State House of Assembly, urged journalists to reflect on the sermon delivered by the guest lecturer.

Ogunniyi noted that journalists have the responsibility of refining and verifying news before releasing it into the media space, adding that such professionalism would help promote responsible journalism.

He commended the leadership of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for organising what he described as an insightful and impactful lecture.

In her closing remarks, Binta Abubakar Mora, the Chairman of the 2026 Kwara NUJ Iftar Committee, appreciated the guest lecturer for delivering a thought-provoking lecture and providing the spiritual guidance needed at a time when the nation is facing security challenges.

Binta noted that the lecture also highlighted the crucial role journalists must play in addressing the menace of insecurity.