Journalists in Nigeria have been asked to place public interest above their selfish interest in their reportage in order to correct the ills of the society.
A lecturer in the department of mass communication, university of Ilorin,Dr Rasaq Adisa, gave the challenge in a paper presented at a seminar organised by the Kware state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin.
The theme of the seminar was” investigation Journalism as tool to curbing the phenomenon of fake new.”
The seminar climaxed the week long activities lined up to mark the 2019 press week of the council.
He said Journalists must always muster the courage to be factual in their reportage regardless of whose oaxe is gored.
“Journalists must always pursue public interest and not selfish interest. To get the society better, we have to get on toes”he said.
While speaking on the phenomenon of fake news, the mass communication teacher, counseled Journalists to “develop multiple sources” in verifying the authenticity of their information while technology should be used conduct indept investigation.
Adisa tasked practitioners particularly, those in the traditional media not to shark their responsibility of agenda setting and as well guide against situations where they will always depend on foreign media for news brakes of happenings in Nigeria.
Chief press secretary to the governor of Kwara state, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye , expressed delight that the NUJ organised such seminar to curb the phenomenon of fake news.
He urged Journalists to rise above board and always cross check their facts before going to press.
Earlier while declaring the seminar open, the permanent secretary, ministry of Information and communication, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Mustafa, represented by a director in the ministry, Dr Fatima Amuda charged Journalists to imbibe spirit of patriotism in the discharge of their duties.
