By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Journalists in Nigeria have been admonished to ensure their reportage is grounded in truth and devoid of biases that could diminish their reputation.
This charge was led by the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, during the 2026 annual Iftar of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.
The event, themed “Leadership, Media and the Fight Against Insecurity in Society,” served as a platform to discuss the ethical obligations of the press during times of national crisis.
Dr. Olohungbebe stressed that journalists, particularly those of the Islamic faith, must be guided by the principles of verification and accountability.
He noted that the Qur’an explicitly instructs believers to confirm the authenticity of information before dissemination to prevent public chaos and misinformation.
While acknowledging that rumors have existed for centuries, the Commissioner explained that modern practitioners must be mindful of how certain reports impact public peace and security.
He also noted that Islamic scholars have a parallel responsibility to promote peace within their communities.
Echoing these sentiments, the Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Maryam Nnafatimah Imam, commended the Kwara NUJ for providing spiritual nourishment during the holy month of Ramadan and encouraged members to uphold high moral values.
The Chairman of the Kwara State NUJ, Mallam Lanre Ahmed, clarified the distinct yet complementary roles of the press and the state, noting that while the military protects territorial integrity, journalists must ensure their reports do not grant unnecessary oxygen to violent actors.
Ahmed also expressed concern over “needless rivalry” among some Islamic scholars seeking supremacy, advising the media to ignore such conflicts and focus instead on issues that promote unity.
Hon. Seun Ogunniyi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Nutrition at the State House of Assembly, urged practitioners to reflect on the spiritual lessons of the day.
He emphasized that the responsibility of refining and verifying news before it enters the public space is the hallmark of responsible journalism.