Fake news threatens national unity, information minister warns journalists

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By Hadiza Yusuf

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KANO — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that the spread of fake news and disinformation poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity, urging journalists and social media influencers to uphold ethical standards by verifying information before publication.

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Idris gave the warning on Monday while speaking at the maiden edition of the Arewa Media Summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, in Kano.

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The minister said the rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed communication by turning smartphones into publishing platforms, but noted that it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation capable of eroding public trust and undermining national cohesion.

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“The digital revolution has transformed communication, making every smartphone a broadcasting platform. However, the same technology has also increased the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of threatening national unity and public confidence,” Idris said.

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He stressed that journalists have a critical responsibility to ensure that every report is accurate, balanced and serves the public interest.

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Idris also urged the media to avoid giving undue publicity to terrorists and bandits through sensational reporting.

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“The media has an indispensable role in denying violent extremists the publicity they seek while promoting unity, resilience and hope,” he said.

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According to the minister, democracy can only thrive where government operates transparently, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

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“Democracy thrives when government remains transparent, citizens participate responsibly and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity,” he added.

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Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, said the summit was convened to strengthen engagement among government, the media and citizens through accountability, responsible communication and ethical journalism.

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He noted that while government has a duty to provide timely and transparent information, the media must continue to serve as a credible bridge between leaders and the public by promoting factual and balanced reporting.

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Abdulaziz also called on social media influencers to use their platforms responsibly, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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“Social media influencers who command enormous audiences must verify information before publication and avoid content capable of creating division, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

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He disclosed that more than 100 APC social media communicators were trained ahead of the summit on effectively communicating government policies and programmes.

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Declaring the summit open, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged other states to adopt Kano’s Special Reporters Initiative, under which more than 150 young people have been deployed across ministries, departments, agencies and the state’s 44 local government areas to enhance government communication and public enlightenment.

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