Journalists in the country have been urged to support the fight against insecurity in the country by ensuring that their reportage is based on the truth .
The Kwara state commissioner for education and human capital development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, gave the admonition at the Iftar organused by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, themed: “Leadership, Media and the fight against insecurity in the society.”
Olohungbebe stressed that journalists, particularly Muslim media practitioners, must be guided by truth, verification and accountability in their reports, especially at a time when the country is facing security challenges.
He affirmed that Islam places great emphasis on verifying information before dissemination, explaining that the Qur’an instructs believers to confirm the authenticity of information before spreading it in order to avoid misleading the public.
Olohungbebe explained that rumours and misinformation have existed for centuries, even during the time of Prophet Muhammad, when communication was mainly through face-to-face interactions and written letters.
According to him, while it is the duty of journalists to report the truth, media practitioners must also be mindful of the possible consequences of certain reports on public peace and security.
He added that Islamic scholars also have significant roles to play in promoting peace and security in communities.
In her remarks, the commissioner for social development , Dr Maryam Imam, commended the Kwara State chapter of the NUJ for organising the programme.
Imam said the event provided members with the necessary spiritual nourishment during the holy month of Ramadan and encouraged journalists to continue to uphold professionalism and moral values in their duties.
Earlier, the chairman of the NUJ, Kwara state council,AbdulLateef Ahmed said the essence of the military is to protect the territorial integrity of the nation while the journalists have the responsibility to ensure that their reports don’t give unnecessary attention to the violent actors who have continued to perpatrate their evils.
He advised the media not to promote such conflicts but instead guide the public by focusing on issues that promote unity and moral values.
