*Online Media Reach Millions Globally, Deploy Your Powers Professionally -Commissioner
*We’ll Partner With You -Online Group’s Leader
By Sani Bala Karo, Kano
To contain the spate of misinformation and fake news emanating from some sections of the media, the Kano State Government and the state Online Media Chapel have agreed to strengthen collaboration to promote ethical and responsible journalism in the reportage of security matters in the North-West state.
Speaking at an interactive session with Kano Online Media Chapel, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the move was in continuation of the media engagements of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on the state’s security situation.
He stressed that this was necessary in view of the emerging security concerns in some Local Governments (LGs) bordering Katsina State where attacks have been reported recently.
Comrade Waiya advised journalists in the state to avoid distorted narratives capable of portraying the state as gloomy or which undermine efforts of security agencies.
He said it was unjust and unfair for a national daily to use reports of spontaneous attacks on three LGAs to portray the entire state as a new frontier of banditry, describing such as unwarranted.
The Commissioner urged them to support efforts being made to address insecurity rather than amplify rumours, exaggerations, or posting unverified content that could disrupt public peace.
Comrade Waiya noted that the Online Media Chapel plays a vital role in the emerging digital communication worldspace with platforms capable of reaching millions of people far and wide across the globe.
Therefore, he noted, “professionalism, accuracy and adherence to ethical standards should remain the guiding principles of online journalists for the state to experience economic growth”.
Going forward, the Commissioner hinted, to curb fake news and misleading reports often originating from online outlets, government is looking into setting up a joint information platform to provide timely, credible and verified information before publishing.
This is expected to enhance coordination between government, security agencies and media practitioners in the state, he added.
Responding, the Chairman of Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, assured the government of the chapel’s commitment to ethical and developmental journalism in order to move the state to greater heights.
He equally urged the chapel members to refrain from publishing content that could mislead or fuel insecurity and, on the other hand, reaffirmed the chapel’s readiness to work with government to achieve lasting peace and development in the state.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Kano State Gov. Abba Yusuf.
