… Tasks NUJ Leadership On War Against Disinformation, Fake News
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that the hosting of the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his state, few weeks after the state also hosted the Nigeria Guild of Editors goes a long way to validate strides of his administration to ensure peace in the state.
Governor Uzodimma also said, “It shows that Imo has fully returned to its pride of place as a safe and welcoming destination and hospitality capital of Eastern Nigeria.”
The governor made this assertion in his address during the opening ceremony of the conference at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri. He expressed gratitude to the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, and the entire National Executive Council of the union for choosing Imo State as the venue “for this all-important conference”.
While commending the outgoing president for his outstanding achievements, Uzodimma encouraged him to extend support to the incoming administration, ensure a smooth transition and continued progress of the union.
He said the theme of the conference: “Media and Democracy, the Journalist’s Role in Holding Leaders Accountable”, couldn’t have been more relevant at any time than now, as according to him, a free and independent press is necessary for a healthy democracy.
“As we all know, the media plays a multi-faceted role in shaping public opinion, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting transparency in government. Nevertheless, Free Press Unlimited has identified four key functions of the media in society, viz: providing reliable information, acting as a watchdog, facilitating democratic discourse, and reflecting society’s diversity”.
Governor Uzodimma noted that journalism currently faces some serious challenge, especially with the rise of the social media and spread of misinformation.
He gave numerous instances of misinformation/fake news at international, national, and state levels, including the one where the opposition politicians in the state, in 2021, cloned the August 27th cover of ThisDay Newspaper, replaced the original headline, ‘Buhari elected, as NNPC breaks jinx, declare N287 billion profit, first in 44 years,” with a fabricated story, “shocking: Uzodimma declares free marriage between Fulani settlers and Imo ladies”.
He consequently stressed the urgent need for retraining of journalists on media literacy, fact checking initiatives and responsible use of social media platforms. He pledged the commitment of his administration to supporting a free, independent and thriving press. He said the government has taken concrete steps to demonstrate the commitment.
Uzodinma said: “We established the Governor’s Media Excellence Award, to recognize and celebrate outstanding journalists, been providing logistic supports for press unions; NUJ, NAWOJ, Correspondents Chapel and others, because we believe that a strong and independent media is not only a cornerstone of democracy, but also a catalyst for development.”
He listed some achievements of his government in fulfilling campaign promises, upholding human rights, rule of law and addressing pressing social issues to include; massive infrastructural development, massive road construction and rehabilitation, construction of world class flyover, construction of International conference center, health and educational programmes.
.
“Our hard work has caught the attention of the wider world, as our state was one of the few states in Nigeria that won the coveted State Action Business Enabling Reform, which earned us a cash award of $4 million”.
.
Earlier in his valedictory speech, the outgoing president of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for volunteering to host over one thousand journalists from all over the country in Imo State. He added, “contrary to the false narrative and fake news that have painted the state as unsafe, we can confidently say that Imo is not just peaceful, but also rich in hospitality”.
Isiguzo said that this year’s theme underscores the inseparable bond between a thriving press and a flourishing democracy, describing journalists as stewards of truth, the watchdogs and the bridge between the people and the leaders.
He explained that within the six years, two tenures of his leadership, it raised the bar, redefined what it means to be a journalist in Nigeria, gave the NUJ a pride of place, not only within “our borders, but also on the global stage,” adding, “the welfare of our members was a top priority. Under our watch, several media houses cleared salary arrears, totaling tens of millions.”
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Osita Izunaso, represented by Dr. Maxwell Menkiti Ngene, expressed overwhelming joy at seeing so many talented, dedicated and tireless journalists from across Nigeria gather in Imo State for the Triennial Delegates Conference.
He noted that the event will provide the opportunity for those who matter in the media industry to share experience and chart a new cause for the future of the industry. While appreciating the outgoing leadership for its laudable and transformative achievements, he expressed optimism that the incoming leadership will strive to do better.
The ceremony featured the investiture of Governor Uzodimma as grand patron of Imo NUJ, as well as the decoration of past leaders of the union as fellows of NUJ.
