General News
Media experts warn of mounting threats to Journalism, demand legal protection for reporters to
… urges ethical strategic communication to strengthen public trust
By Aliyu Musa
Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo have raised concerns over the deepening threats facing professional journalism in Nigeria, warning that unchecked misinformation, unregulated online content, and lack of legislative protection for journalists could further endanger the country’s democracy.
Speaking at the NUJ FCT 2025 Capacity Building Programme for Information and media Officers in Keffi, Isiguzo said the proliferation of digital tools and the rapid expansion of social media have created an environment where non-professionals now dominate the information landscape, often with damaging consequences.
“We are able to attack it headlong, then we are going to be in trouble,” he said. “The tools we have now are available to our young stars and they can do anything with it. The professionals must have to invade—be it social media or whatever name you call it to be able to displace the people that are having free movement. Social media influencers, content creators, they are churning out all sorts, and the professionals must be there to control.”
Isiguzo warned that the “fifth law of misinformation” is now causing chaos and mayhem, worsened by the activities of citizen journalists who operate without gatekeeping or ethical checks.
“Whatever you turn out must accommodate the fundamentals, so whoever is reading what you are publishing will say this is a professional doing the job,” he said.
He further lamented that Nigeria still lacks a legal framework protecting journalists, unlike countries such as Ghana, Malawi and the United States where media freedoms are constitutionally enshrined.
“There’s no piece of legislation that protects the practice of journalism in Nigeria,” he said. “If the oxygen is plugged out and democracy begins to inhale what it should not inhale carbon dioxide then that is toxic for the body, toxic for democracy and toxic for good governance.”
According to him, journalists in Nigeria shoulder the constitutional responsibility of ensuring accountability but continue to work under fear fear of harassment, arrest, intimidation, or even incarceration.
“These journalists are living in fear fear of the unknown, fear of how to feed the family, fear to protect the family,” he said. “The only thing that can protect them is the piece of legislation.”
In her keynote speech, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the capacity-building programme represents a bold and strategic commitment to strengthening professionalism in Nigeria’s communication landscape.
She said the theme of the programme—“Enhancing Image Making, Public Relations, Social Media Management, and Media Visibility in the Public Sector”—is timely, given the speed at which information now spreads and the growing influence of digital platforms.
“We live in an age where information travels faster than policy, where perception often precedes reality, and where a single headline, a single tweet, or a single video clip can redefine the reputation of an institution,” Ike said.
She noted that the role of information officers has evolved beyond issuing statements to include strategy, crisis management, content creation, digital engagement, and safeguarding institutional reputation.
“To excel in this new system, training is no longer optional; it is foundational,” she said. “It is the difference between being reactive and being strategic, between managing information and shaping narratives.”
Ike emphasized that continuous learning remains the only pathway to relevance in today’s media environment.
“When we invest in training, we invest in excellence. When we invest in knowledge, we elevate the credibility of our institutions,” she said.
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to see our Council investing in capacity building, because people are the greatest asset of any profession,” she added.
She encouraged participants from the Ministry of Information, NCC, the military, NASENI, and various media houses to take the training seriously.
“Ask questions, challenge assumptions, interact with facilitators, and take back knowledge that can transform your work,” she said. “Let today be the beginning of a renewed commitment to professionalism.”
Ike expressed optimism that the programme would equip participants with tools to combat misinformation, enhance public communication, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic ecosystemb.
In her goodwill message head of Corporate Communications Nigeria Communication Commission Mrs Nnenna Ukoha who was represented by the Principal Manager, Public Affairs Mr Tunde Akpeji said the workshop was designed to strengthen staff professionalism, improve efficiency and equip participants to engage confidently within the public communication space.
He stated that the Commission values its personnel as its greatest asset, adding that investing in their skills is essential to driving positive change across the telecommunications industry. According to him, the training will equip information officers with the competencies required to effectively communicate the industry’s commitment to protecting critical national information infrastructure.
The capacity-building programme is part of the FCT NUJ’s broader initiative to strengthen ethical standards, improve government communication, and ensure that journalists and information officers remain effective guardians of public interest amid rising misinformation threats.
The event with the theme enhancing public image, strategic communication and media visibility in the digital era also had the presence of personalities to include the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Mr Stanley Azuka Ogadigo, Deputy Director International Institute of Journalism IIJ Mr Nicholas Igwenagu, Dr Simon Sheyigar, Lecturer Federal University Lokoja and Mr Victor Habila Alaka
They took sessions to share their experience on different topics to build reputations as public relations officer
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
DSS is prepared to appeal to achieve death penalty for the two Ansaru terrorist group commanders given life sentences in Abuja were given by Emeka Nwite. The were sentenced on Monday after they pleaded guilty to a 32-count terrorism charge.
The convicts: Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar, described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (a.k.a Malam Mamuda), his deputy and chief of staff.
The judge handed down the sentence after the convicts changed their plea from not guilty to guilty and, through their lawyer, appealed for leniency.
A senior DSS official, speaking after the judgement, said the agency considers the punishment inadequate given the gravity of the offences.
According to the official, the two men had initially indicated they would plead guilty but later changed their position around the period pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo state by suspected members of the same group.
“For the nearly 60 days the kidnappers held on to the pupils and teachers of Oriire, the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed,” the official said.
“One of the top conditions the abductors gave was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims.”
The DSS official said the defendants, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, later told the court they were undecided on the plea they intended to enter.
“Justice Nwite even had to hand them an ultimatum to make up their minds on or before Monday’s sitting.
“After the Oriire rescue, they came to court to plead guilty to all the charges.
“Allowing the two terror commanders walk away with life sentences will not serve the cause of justice for the two Oriire teachers beheaded by their abductors.
“The reason the terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teacher’s was to put pressure on government to release these two Ansaru commanders.
“It, therefore, wouldn’t be fair to see two men beheaded and their families are made to live with the losses without adequately bringing the culprits to book.”
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (Retd) has denied as malicious and an entirely fabricated rumour circulating across various online and social media platforms alleging that he has expressed an intention to step down from his position.
Debunking this as fake news, a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde
SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence stated unequivocally, and in the strongest possible terms that:
“These rumours are absolute falsehood borne out of complete mischief.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy with results already being seen.
The release further called the public to disregard the fake news. It also strongly called on the media to desist from spreading unverified information falsehood from the internet and social media platforms but to verify from it before going public.
“The general public is hereby urged to completely disregard this fake news. We strongly advise media outlets and internet users to desist from spreading unverified information and seek clarifications from the office.”
By Michael Lim, Jos
Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau “were deceived” into participating in the 1967 – 1970 conflict.
The governor while in an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state stated so at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, over the weekend.
Mutfwang urged both sides to put the past behind them and instead strengthen the bonds of unity.
He commended the Igbo community for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, saying they are an integral part of the state’s progress.
Mutfwang stressed that Plateau remains one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, noting that compensation was paid for some losses suffered during the conflict. In his words:
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.
“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper.”
He canvassed the goodwill of Igbo businessmen in Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment saying:
“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes.”
During the meeting, leaders of the Igbo community endorsed Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity …
“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State.”
Onah further commended the governor’s developmental strides, saying Plateau now enjoys a more conducive environment for business and investment.
“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.
Also speaking, former President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the economic development of Plateau State.
He said the community would support Mutfwang’s re-election bid based on his performance rather than political affiliation.
“We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him,” he said.
Okunonke added that the endorsement reflected the cordial relationship the governor has built with the Igbo community through genuine partnership and inclusiveness.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community to thrive in Plateau State.
He urged members of the community to support the governor’s second-term bid and continue partnering with the government to create employment and business opportunities for young people.
Earlier, Hon. High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised Mutfwang’s developmental projects across the state, describing his administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The meeting also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.
Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, lauded the governor for his inclusive leadership and support for the Igbo community, pledging continued cooperation with his administration.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments by both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community to strengthen peaceful coexistence, deepen collaboration and promote sustainable development across the state
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