The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has warned that the growing spread of fake news poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s development, unity and future, urging journalists to uphold professional ethics and resist the temptation to amplify misinformation.
Director-General of the development think tank, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, gave the warning while receiving the executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Ibadan.
Oyeleye said the media remains a critical stakeholder in nation-building and must continue to play its role responsibly by promoting accurate, balanced and development-oriented reporting.
According to him, fake news has the potential to undermine public trust, fuel divisions and derail national progress if not checked by professional journalists.
“Fake news can destroy. Journalists must not abdicate their responsibilities to non-professionals. You hold a critical place in Nigeria’s development history and must remain committed to truth and responsible journalism,” he said.
The DAWN Commission boss cautioned media practitioners against focusing solely on negative stories, noting that such an approach could damage the country’s image and discourage development.
“You don’t have to like any government, but you must love your country. Genuine and factual reporting can change the country and drive development. If you only report bad news, you are harming your country. We must portray Nigeria in a positive light while remaining truthful and professional,” he added.
Oyeleye stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the media and development institutions in advancing the Southwest’s development agenda and tackling emerging challenges confronting the region.
He also expressed concern over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
“We will continue to work with our principals and the media to ensure that Oriire does not happen again in the Southwest. We must not allow terrorism to take root in this region. If that happens, it could have far-reaching consequences for the country,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnership between the media and the commission in driving public engagement and development initiatives across the Southwest.
Adeniran commended the commission for sustaining the vision of regional integration and development, assuring it of the support of journalists in promoting policies and programmes that would benefit the people.
“We are seeking partnership and co-creation in driving public engagement. The media remains a critical stakeholder in the development process, and we are open to opportunities that will enhance professionalism and improve service delivery,” he said.
Other executive members present during the visit included the Vice Chairman, Comrade Remi Koleoso; the Secretary, Comrade Rotimi Agboluaje; the Financial Secretary, Ogbeni Olawale Ajao; Auditor, Mrs. Abiola Olowe and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Kazeem Awojoodu.
Also speaking, the commission’s Head of Media Department, Mr. Segun Balogun, disclosed plans to deepen engagement with journalists through media awards, annual lectures, training programmes and strategic partnerships focused on regional development.
He reiterated the commission’s readiness to support capacity building for journalists, particularly in digital media and development reporting.
The visit was attended by senior officials of the commission, including the Head of Economic Department and Research, Dr. Adesoji Farayibi; Head of Government and Data Analysis, Dr. Omolara Ejiade; and the Executive Assistant to the Director-General, Ms. Alice Afolabi.
