The Kwara State government says It is working at implementing more measures to curb fake news and unfounded rumour peddling among the people.
The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju stated this during an interface with Press Secretaries across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
According to Olukoju, the menace of fake news needs being nipped in the bud, failure of which could be of devastating impact on societal values and progress.
He said; “So far, the state government has taken various measures to curb fake news, part of which suspected carriers were apprehended by law enforcement Agents. We have therefore instructed Press Secretaries to report activities of MDAs not later than an hour after the event, in order to own the narrative.
“Furthermore, they are to attach their phone contacts to their press releases, for further clarifications from members of the public. I must be quick to add that, feedback from this measure has been tremendous.”
Speaking further on the new measure, Olukoju said ; “We are currently collating all the official social media handles of all MDAs. After collation, we will share them with the public, with the admonition that any news about the state government not reported from any of these handles should be considered as fake. That way, we take control of the narratives of our activities.”
The Commissioner, however, assured Press Secretaries of supports from the Ministry, admonishing them to take advantage of her open door policy to share challenges, areas of strength and weaknesses, to rob minds together on likely solutions.
“The Ministry is currently working on organizing in-house trainings on some areas of interest for Press Secretaries to achieve efficiency in service delivery,” She added.
The Director of Information Services, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Atere appreciated the Commissioner for creating time to share innovative ideas with Press Secretaries in the state, to aid their productivities.
Reacting to the Commissioner’s address, the Communication Officer, Kwara State FADAMA, Dr. Sangodare Ayinla, commended the Commissioner for coming up with different innovative ideas to ease the work situation of press secretaries.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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