http://NUJ Lagos Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week Highlights Battle Against Misinformation in Digital Age #NUJCCorrespomdentschapel #Pressweek
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council, Correspondents’ Chapel, has stressed the urgent need to strengthen journalism standards and combat the spread of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
This was the central message at the 2025 Press Week and Award Ceremony, held on Saturday, August 30, at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme: “Journalism and the Fight Against Misinformation in a Digital Age.”
Journalism in the Digital Era
In his opening remarks, the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Abraham Akpan, said misinformation is “causing significant damage to society,” calling on journalists to “double or triple check facts before publishing.”
“We must uphold accuracy, credibility, and ethical reporting in this digital revolution. Truth-telling is our primary duty as journalists, especially in an era when everyone with a phone claims to be a reporter,” Akpan said.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Chapel’s first magazine publication and a recognition ceremony for institutions, NGOs, faith-based leaders, and corporate organizations that have positively impacted Nigeria’s image.
Health Coverage and Public Welfare
A representative of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mr. Dare Musa, Assistant Divisional Coordinator, Ikeja Division, highlighted health insurance packages available to individuals, families, and seniors.
Musa explained that plans range from ₦40,000 to ₦100,000 annually, covering hospital admissions, maternity, eye care, and access to both public and private hospitals.
“Every Lagos resident deserves affordable healthcare. These packages are structured to reduce out-of-pocket payments and ensure families are covered year-round,” Musa stated.
Goodwill Messages: Truth, Lies, and Responsibility
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Frederick Onuh Gowon, MD of Sikkens Nigeria, told the story of “The Water Test” to illustrate how evidence can be manipulated.
“Investigative journalism is about distinguishing between lies and truth. Without proper evidence, you cannot prove claims. Journalists must use their skills to teach the truth to society,” Gowon said.
He also invoked the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule), urging journalists to “focus energy on the crucial 20% of activities that yield 80% of results.”
Similarly, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos, warned about the dangers of unchecked misinformation.
“Misinformation will persist as long as man lives and social media exists. Our responsibility is to sift through information and find the truth. This press week is timely because everybody online today thinks they are a journalist,” Johnson stressed.
Journalists vs. Bloggers: Upholding Ethics
In his keynote address, Mr. Philip Nwosu, Vice Chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, distinguished between professional journalists and unregulated bloggers.
“Journalists are governed by ethics, trained in fact-checking, and accountable to the Press Council. Bloggers, with their phones as their only newsroom, publish unchecked stories that can mislead society. They are like moving bombs,” Nwosu said.
He emphasized that NUJ has intensified digital journalism training, legal education, and advocacy against restrictive laws that could stifle press freedom.
Recognition and Awards
The ceremony recognized outstanding contributions from individuals and organizations across sectors.
Awardees included:
UBA, Access Bank Plc, Lawal Olarewaju Kazeem (Success DaddyG), President LG Rhythms Foundation, Ruzu Herbal Bitters, Aare Olusegun Daramola (World Builders), Betty Abah (Founder, CEE-HOPE), Ayodele Richard Makun (CEO, Corporate World Entertainment), Ufuoma Ogeleka (UAC Nigeria), Chief Akinwunmi Peter Akinfenwa, Otunba Kayode Akinyemi (Kolex), Mr. Frederick Onuh Gowon, H.E. Amb. Dr. Marshall Jonathan, Lapo Microfinance Bank Ltd, Dr. D.K. Olukoya (General Overseer, MFM), Oluremi Akande (Lapo MFB), Dr. Okunagwu Olisaemeka Victor (All Flavours Foods), and Dr. Larry Jones-Esan (London Academy Business School).
Certificates of Commendation were also presented to Comrade Adeleye Ajayi (Chairman, NUJ Lagos State Council), Comrade Tunde Olalere (Secretary), Comrade Olajide Awosanya, and Dr. Adeola Ekine (former NAWOJ Chairperson).
The Bigger Picture
From healthcare advocacy to media ethics, the 2025 NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week reinforced the role of professional journalism as Nigeria’s “pillar of truth” against misinformation.
As one speaker concluded:
“No story is bigger than the paper. Journalism must remain society’s conscience, regardless of the pressures of the digital age.”
