Vice President Shettima Urges Media To Fight Against Fake News, Uphold Ethical Standards

Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged media houses to combat fake news and uphold ethical standards.

Speaking at the Sun Newspapers Awards in Lagos on Sunday, the vice president highlighted the crucial role of the media in the country, calling them "watchdogs, truth-seekers, and the voice that informs and empowers our citizens," Peoples Gazette reported.

"Tonight, we celebrate not just the exceptional work of individual journalists, but also the collective contribution of the media to Nigeria's progress. Your dedication to investigative journalism, balanced reporting, and fact-checking is essential for a thriving democracy," he said.

Shettima underscored the power of the media to change shape narratives, foster public discourse and hold institutions accountable. He stressed that a "free and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy."

While the vice president backed media outlets to have the freedom to do their work, he also asked journalists to fact-check all information to fight against the threat of misinformation and disinformation.

"The government is commencing the implementation of the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement program aimed at addressing the root causes of farmers-herders conflicts," he said.

Shettima added, "The initiative will revitalize the affected communities through the construction of residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities. I inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfillment of Tinubu's promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians."

He commended the sacrifices made by the journalists, noting that the Tinubu-led government is committed to working with the media outlets to ensure a bright future for the citizens.

Two months back, Hillary Nosa Odia, a broadcast journalist with the Independent Television and Radio, was shot dead on Christmas Eve in Edo's capital city of Benin City.

Speaking at the event, Senator George Akume, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that Nigerians facing economic challenges will get over it soon.

Akume urged all Nigerians to support the government to build a greater Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

"The administration of Tinubu shall remain steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future for all Nigerians, under the Renewed Hope Agenda," Akume said, adding, "While progress may seem slow at times, the vision for a better tomorrow remains resolute. We shall soon navigate successfully the current economic challenges."