Journalists in the country have been urged to ensure that their reportage is based on truth and free from bias that could diminish their reputation before God.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, gave the admonition at the 2026 annual Iftar of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, themed “Leadership, Media and the Fight Against Insecurity in Society.”
Dr. Olohungbebe stressed that journalists, particularly Muslim media practitioners, must be guided by truth, verification and accountability in their reports, especially at a time when the country is facing security challenges.
He noted that Islam places great emphasis on verifying information before dissemination, explaining that the Qur’an instructs believers to confirm the authenticity of information before spreading it in order to avoid misleading the public.
The commissioner added that rumours and misinformation have existed for centuries, even during the time of prophet Muhammad, when communication was mainly through face-to-face interactions and written letters.
According to him, while journalists have a duty to report the truth, media practitioners must also be mindful of the potential impact of certain reports on public peace and security.
He added that Islamic scholars also have significant roles to play in promoting peace and security in communities.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Social Development in Kwara State, Dr Maryam Nnafatimah Imam, commended the Kwara State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for organizing the programme.
Dr Imam said the event provided members with the necessary spiritual nourishment during the holy month of Ramadan and encouraged journalists to continue to uphold professionalism and moral values in their duties.
Security Consciousness
In his opening Remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kwara state council, Mallam Lanre Ahmed said the essence of the military is to protect the territorial integrity of the nation while the media has the responsibility to ensure that their reports don’t give unnecessary attention to the violent actors.
He expressed concern over what he described as needless rivalry among some Islamic scholars in the quest for supremacy.
Mallam Ahmed said such attitudes were unfortunate, noting that religious leaders should rather serve as role models and pathfinders for the society.
The Chairman also advised the media not to promote such conflicts but instead guide the public by focusing on issues that promote unity and moral values.
Verifying Reports
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Nutrition at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Seun Ogunniyi, urged journalists to reflect on the sermon delivered by the guest lecturer.
Ogunniyi noted that journalists have the responsibility of refining and verifying news before releasing it into the media space, adding that such professionalism would help promote responsible journalism.
He commended the leadership of the Kwara State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for organizing what he described as an insightful and impactful lecture.
In her closing remarks, the Chairman of the 2026 Kwara NUJ Iftar Committee, Binta Abubakar Mora, appreciated the guest lecturer for delivering a thought-provoking lecture and providing the spiritual guidance needed at a time when the nation is grappling with security challenges.
Hajia Binta noted that the lecture also highlighted the crucial role journalists must play in addressing the menace of insecurity.