Category: News

Sensationalism, bias reporting, fake news killing journalism profession in Nigeria – Prof. Gbenga

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Ghenga Ibileye has identified sensationalism, bias reporting and the spread of fake news as some of the banes killing journalism profession in Nigeria.

Prof. Ibileye disclosed this on Wednesday when he presented a paper titled” “the media as the fourth estate of the realm: fact or fiction at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), triennial delegate conference held in Lokoja

The University Don lamented that the ethical standards of journalism profession has been sacrificed on the altar of fake news which according to him has continued to cause havoc for Nigeria as a nation.

According to him, some media practitioners have descent into fiction rather than, the objective representation of facts and reality
adding “the advent of social media has further complicated the issues, where anybody who has access to computer, mobile device and the internet and who can type any passable English, would call themselves journalists or media practitioners.”

“This has led to some dangerous implications namely the compromise of professional quality in terms of ethics of the profession, objectivity, and fairness. Regrettably, the ethical standards that guide the conduct of the profession are now sacrificed on the altar of the rise of sensationalism, biased reporting, and the spread of misinformation through various online platform.”

“This has also fuelled scepticism about the media’s ability to fulfil it’s fourth estate responsibilities. The advent of “fake news” agenda-driven reporting, and the blurring of lines between news and opinion has raised doubts about the media’s commitment to presenting facts rather than fuelling fiction without the principles of verifiability and reliability of their resources.

He argued further that the fundamental challenges facing the media as the Fourth Estate is the increasing polarization of public discourse.

Ibileye, said “In an era marked by echo chambers, algorithm driven content consumption, and the influence of partisan media outlets, the media’s role in fostering informed debate and facilitating a shared understanding of societal issues has come under scrutiny. ”

“Rather than serving as a unifying force, the media has been accused of exacerbating divisions and cultivating an environment where conflicting narratives and opinions lead to fragmentation rather than consensus.”

“Also, the commercialization of the media industry has raised questions about the extent to which profit motives influence editorial decisions and the prioritization of sensationalism over substance. The pursuit of higher ratings and readership, coupled with the pressures of 24-hour news cycles, has led to a focus on clicks worthy headlines and attention grabbing content, often at the expense of nuanced analysis and investigative reporting”.

He averred that, the media industry must prioritize transparency, accuracy, and a commitment to public interest in fulfilling it’s role as the fourth estate of the realm.

“While concerns about misinformation and partisan reporting abound, the media’s capacity to inform, scrutinize power and facilitate public discourse should not be underestimated.

“The evolution of mass media presents both challenges and opportunities, and the preservation of the Fourth Estate depends on a concerted effort to prioritize factual reporting over fiction-inducing content. As we navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape, the enduring ideals of truths, accountability and public service must guide the media’s pursuit of it’s fourth estate responsibilities” he added.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, issued a directive on Thursday instructing security agencies in the state to apprehend those responsible for the recent bank robbery in Ikere-Ekiti and bring them to justice.

Describing the armed robbery incident as senseless and disheartening, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that every effort would be made to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor extended condolences to the families affected, the Ogoga-in-Council, and the people of Ikere Ekiti.

Reports indicate that the armed robbers targeted two banks in the community on Wednesday, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries.

Governor Oyebanji directed government hospitals in the state to provide proper care for those injured during the robbery and stressed the significance of local vigilance in maintaining security. He urged citizens with relevant information to assist security agencies in their investigations.

Assuring the public of the government’s commitment to security, Governor Oyebanji declared, “The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not go unpunished. Our security agencies will go after them and ensure they face the guilt and wrath of the law.”

He called for calm and vigilance among the people, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring the state remains free of criminal elements.

Professor Zacheaus Adangor, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has tendered his resignation in a letter dated November 14, 2023. Addressed to Governor Sim Fubara, the letter cites personal principles as the basis for his departure from office.

The resignation comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, and Adangor expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for the opportunity to serve in the administration. He was initially appointed during the tenure of former Governor Nyesom Wike and retained by Governor Fubara.

Speculations regarding Adangor’s status surfaced earlier, with rumors suggesting his removal. However, the state government clarified that he resigned based on personal grounds.

The political climate in Rivers State has intensified, marked by the recent demolition of the state legislative chamber, justified by safety concerns. This development occurred as lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara held a plenary session at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The state witnessed further political shifts, with 27 House members elected on the Peoples Democratic Party platform defecting to the All Progressives Congress on Monday. Their move was linked to internal party divisions, particularly the National Secretary position’s dispute.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has officially signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law, totaling N800 billion. The signing took place in the conference room of the Governor’s Office at the Government House, a day after the budget estimates were presented to the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Edison Ehie.

Governor Fubara, during his presentation to the assembly, highlighted the budget’s focus on promoting economic development through inclusive growth and addressing socio-economic inequality within the state. The approved budget comprises a Recurrent Expenditure of N361,598,242,570.85 and a Capital Expenditure of N410,266,485,090.64.

Further details on the specific allocations and projects covered by the budget are expected to be released in subsequent reports.

In a swift move following the recent removal of heads of aviation agencies, the Federal Government has now sacked all directors of Aviation less than 24 hours after the CEOs’ dismissal. The directive was issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and conveyed in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi, in Abuja on Thursday.

The government’s decision aims to reposition the aviation industry and enhance safety and efficiency in air travel, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda. The affected directors, representing agencies such as the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau, are instructed to promptly hand over their responsibilities to the most senior officers in their respective directorates.

While emphasizing the need for a smooth transition, the statement clarified that the board secretaries and legal advisers of the agencies remain unaffected by the directive. The sweeping changes come on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace heads of various agencies in the aviation sector, signaling a comprehensive overhaul to improve the sector’s performance and governance.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Participants have been reawakened to the importance of uptake of IFA, early registration for ANC and the use of Zinc lo-ORS.

The importance was hammered on, at a one day orientation meeting with the community structures in Sokoto state by Nutrition International/ FAcE-PaM/ SWODEN.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, the State Nutrition Officer, Mustapha Garba, represented by the deputy State Nutrition Officer, Rukaya Musa, urge them to pay attention to details of the orientation meeting to enable them have a relevant feedback to beneficiaries at their community

The State Nutrition International c Coordinator, Oyedeji Ayobami, reiterated the importance of uptake of IFA, early registration for ANC and the use of Zinc Lo-ORS for the treatment of diarrhoea in an under five child.

“The orientation is centered on Community sensitized on early ANC commencement and consumption of IFA in the prevention of anemia in women and Zinc for children.

“It is also targeted to get the commitment and support of participants to influencing positive behaviors such as, ANC attendance, IFA and Zinc Lo-ORS consumption,” Oyedeji stated.

The Project Officer, Elizabeth Stephen Kassam, highlighted the purpose of the orientation to the participants, which is, “to sensitize the Traditional birth attendants (TBAs), Community Based Volunteers (CBVs), on the BCI strategy for Iron folic acid (IFA) and Lo-ORS/Zinc.

“To create awareness on maternal anaemia, childhood diarrhea, and the importance of early ANC attendance and consumption of IFA among participants.

“To create demand of the use of IFA for treatment of anaemia in pregnant women and ZINC Lo-ORS for treatment of diarrhea in children under five years.

“To get the commitments of traditional birth attendance and the volunteers to influence the uptake of IFA and ZINC among pregnant women and children under five years.”

On his part, representative from SWODEN, Abdullhamid Buhari, also encourage the participants particularly on gender mainstreaming.

While applauding the orientation meeting, a cross section of the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), Community Based Volunteers (CBVs), admitted gaining more knowledge on prevention of maternal anemia and childhood diarrhea.

30 participants drawn from Wamakko, Sokoto North, and Dange Shuni local government areas another 20 from Kware and Illela local government areas respectively, participated at the orientation meeting.

The participants included male and female sensitization on Behavioral Change Intervention, BCI, Strategy for the promotion of IFA AND ZINC Lo-ORS.