Responsible journalism key to tackling insecurity – NGE President

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The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, on Wednesday charged journalists to uphold ethical standards, prioritise fact-checking and shun sensationalism to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and national development.

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Dr Anaba gave the charge while delivering his keynote address titled “The Roles of Campus Journalists and Professionals in Promoting Peace and National Development” at the annual symposium and 10th anniversary celebration of The Academia Campus Journalists of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, affiliated with the University of Ibadan.

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Represented by the founder of Penpushing Media, Mr Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, the NGE president described the theme as timely, noting that journalism plays a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges through responsible and conflict-sensitive reporting.

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He said, “Journalism and insecurity are deeply interconnected. The media can either contribute to insecurity through misinformation, sensationalism and irresponsible reporting, or help reduce insecurity through accurate, ethical and conflict-sensitive journalism.”

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According to him, the manner in which security-related issues are reported influences public perception, confidence in institutions and the responses of governments and security agencies.

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He warned that irresponsible reporting could heighten tensions and create unnecessary panic, stressing that security remains indispensable to sustainable national development.

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“No nation can achieve sustainable development where insecurity persists. Investors are reluctant to invest, schools cannot function effectively, businesses struggle to survive, and employment opportunities diminish in an insecure environment,” he said.

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The NGE president expressed concern over increasing insecurity around tertiary institutions, citing incidents of kidnappings, cult-related violence, attacks on student transportation and armed invasions of campuses.

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He said the development underscored the need for responsible journalism capable of countering misinformation and preventing crises from escalating.

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Anaba encouraged student journalists to promote civic education, challenge misinformation and amplify voices that foster dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

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He also reminded professional journalists of their responsibility to serve as impartial mediators, watchdogs and educators committed to accountability and democratic governance.

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He stressed the importance of conflict-sensitive reporting, saying, “Media professionals must promote peace by adopting conflict-sensitive reporting, avoiding sensationalism, presenting balanced perspectives and discouraging narratives that encourage hatred or violence.”

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The NGE president described fact-checking as one of the most powerful tools available to journalists, urging media practitioners to place accuracy above speed.

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In his goodwill message, businessman and logistics entrepreneur, Dr Joel Agbebi, urged journalists to see their profession as a public trust and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing fear and division.

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He observed that sensational reports circulating on mainstream and social media often fuel panic.

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Addressing campus journalists, he challenged them to build careers founded on integrity and professionalism.

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“Today’s campus reporter may become tomorrow’s editor, broadcaster, public affairs analyst or government spokesperson.

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“However, before you can achieve that, you must demonstrate integrity, avoid sensational reporting and develop strong investigative journalism skills,” he said.

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Welcoming participants to the annual event, the President of The Academia Campus Journalists, Modadeoluwa Tunde-Oso, said the gathering was a celebration of 10 years of resilience, learning, growth and commitment to responsible campus journalism.

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Tunde-Oso stated that the association believed journalism was not merely about reporting events but about promoting truth, encouraging accountability, giving voice to the voiceless and contributing positively to society.

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Given the role of journalists in promoting peace and national development, he said the annual symposium would provide a platform to reflect on the enormous responsibility that comes with holding the pen and microphone, while further strengthening media practitioners’ commitment to professionalism.

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