Maryam Aminu
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called on journalists across Nigeria to take a proactive stance in combating the spread of fake news. Describing it as a grave threat to democracy and a significant factor undermining public trust in the media, the Minister urged media practitioners to champion integrity and professionalism in their reporting.
Comrade Olawande made this appeal in Abuja during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Female Journalists Network to his office.
In his remarks, the Minister stressed the importance of ethical journalism in safeguarding democracy. “Fake news continues to erode the foundations of our democratic process. If immediate and decisive action is not taken, the progress we’ve achieved over the years may be undone. Media professionals must detach emotions from their work and adhere to the highest ethical standards,” he stated.
The Minister also emphasized the need for ongoing sensitization efforts to educate journalists on the dangers of misinformation, urging media organizations and regulatory bodies to strengthen mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Speaking on behalf of the Female Journalists Network, Mr. Daniel Black highlighted the group’s dedication to promoting social development initiatives.
He announced their planned participation in the 63rd Commission for Social Development, taking place from 10th to 14th February, as part of their efforts to amplify the voices of Nigerian civil society organizations on the global stage.
“Our consortium is committed to addressing key social issues such as poverty eradication, women’s inclusion, and other critical areas. Platforms like the United Nations Social Development workshop offer us opportunities to drive these conversations forward,” Black said.
He called on government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to collaborate with the network, emphasizing the need for joint efforts in tackling pressing social challenges. “We encourage MDAs to participate in the upcoming program, share their insights, and contribute to actionable reports on Nigeria’s development challenges. Together, we can identify effective strategies to move the nation forward,” he added.
In her response, Hajia Amina Dauran, Director of the Network for Social Mobilization at the Ministry, commended the Female Journalists Network for their initiative.
She expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the group to advance social development projects and enhance collaborative efforts aimed at addressing societal issues.
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