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Nigerian Editors Oppose Fake News, Hate Speech
Editors under the aegis of the Nigerian Guild of Editors yesterday expressed their opposition to fake news and hate speech.
The Acting President of the Guild, Mustapha Isah, stated the group’s position in Sokoto at the opening of the 15th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC). “ The Nigerian Guild of Editors is not in support and will never support fake news and hate speech.
“ Our members are trained professionally.” It is true that the social media space, like any other ecoystem, is being abused by some people,” he said.
He, however, said the guild was not in support of any move to “surreptitiously” curtail press freedom. Isah also advised government to work with critical stakeholders in the media industry to address the challenges relating to fake news and hate speech.
He said the guild chose the 2019 theme of the conference, “A Distressed Media: Impact on Government, Governance and Society,” with a view to focusing on the media as a business.
Isah added that the theme was also meant “ to focus on Nigeria and the sustenance of our democracy because without a robust media, democracy suffers.”
He said the current economic challenges had affected the business of journalism, warning that practitioners must survive first to perform their constitutional responsibility of holding government accountable to the people.
“The constitution gives the media an enormous responsibility of holding governments accountable to the people without providing for us the economic and the constitutional protection to do our duty. “ The media is passing through a tough phase. We are going to survive and we must survive.We will find solutions to our problems,” he said.
According to him, the Nigerian media has a rich history, having been in the forefront in the fight against colonialism and the struggle for democracy.
Isah also commended Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State for his consistent show of friendship to the media and the guild in particular.
Our correspondent reports that editors from various media houses across the country are attending the conference.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
