Insecurity: Campus Journalists must embrace ethical reporting, fact-checking, NGE President

Campus journalists must embrace ethical reporting and rigorous fact-checking to help counter Nigeria's pervasive insecurity, according to Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). Speaking at the 9th Annual Symposium and 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Academic Campus Journalists (ACJ) at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Anaba stressed that responsible journalism is crucial for promoting peace and national development.

“

Journalism and insecurity are deeply interconnected. The media can either contribute to insecurity through misinformation, sensationalism and irresponsible reporting, or help reduce insecurity through accurate, ethical and conflict-sensitive journalism.

Anaba, represented by Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, warned that misinformation and sensationalism in reporting can exacerbate insecurity. He described journalism as a public trust that demands professionalism and integrity. "Journalism and insecurity are deeply interconnected," he stated, adding that the media can either worsen the situation through irresponsible reporting or help reduce it through accurate, ethical, and conflict-sensitive journalism.

“

No nation can achieve sustainable development where insecurity persists.

The NGE president highlighted the severe impact of insecurity on Nigeria's development, noting that it discourages investment, disrupts education, weakens businesses, and limits employment. "No nation can achieve sustainable development where insecurity persists," he asserted. He also expressed concern over rising security challenges within higher institutions, such as kidnappings and cult-related violence, which disrupt academic activities.

“

Verification must always come before publication. Even a single inaccurate social media post or unverified report can trigger panic, violence or public disorder.

Urging campus journalists to use neutral language, avoid inflammatory content, and always verify information before publication, Anaba stated, "Verification must always come before publication." He recognized campus journalists as vital actors in peacebuilding and early warning mechanisms due to their proximity to events within educational institutions. "Campus journalists are not merely student reporters. They are the next generation of media professionals and important contributors to Nigeria’s democratic development," he concluded.

“

Campus journalists are not merely student reporters. They are the next generation of media professionals and important contributors to Nigeria’s democratic development.