WPFD2021: Journalists For Christ Int’l Urges Media To Fight Misinformation

Related stories

“Nigeria’s challenges not about the constitution, but its operators”, says Obasanjo

By Yanju Uwala A former Nigerian President and military Head...

Nigeria Surpasses OPEC’s 1.5 Million Barrel Oil Quota in June 2025

By Abiola Olawale In a major achievement for Africa’s largest...

Natasha vs Akpabio: Senate President Heads to Court, Challenges Court Order to Reinstate Senator

By Abiola Olawale President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio...

Journalists For Christ (JFC) International — an association of Christian journalists and allied professionals in Nigeria and beyond has tasked journalists on the need to discharge their constitutional duties professionally by tackling misinformation and other harmful content, even as they continue to hold government accountable.

JFC Int’l while extolling media professionals for their role as partners in national development, said information is crucial to human existence hence the need for journalists to not only disseminate adequate information to members of the public but also the right information.

This was contained in a statement issued by the founding President of JFC and media development expert, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2021.

The World Press Freedom Day, marked every May 3rd, acts as a reminder to governments on the need to respect press freedom and also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

Otufodunrin, who is the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network and a former Managing Editor at The Nation, also called on Nigerians to demonstrate more support for press freedom in the country which will enable journalists play their expected role in educating the public with the right information and content.

The statement reads, “As media organisations and associations worldwide commemorates the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3,2021, Journalists for Christ (JFC), the Association for Christian Journalists and allied professional in Nigeria, urges media  professionals in Nigeria to ensure access to verified and reliable information for the people.

“The theme for this year’s celebration “Information as a Public Good” is very apt considering the urgent need, more than ever before, to ensure that people have access to the right information at all times.

“New media technologies have enhanced freedom of expression, dissemination and access to information, but the level of  misinformation and dissemination have become worrisome.

“Fake news have become the order of the day with many false information and harmful content being disseminated regarding the  COVID-19 pandemic and other major crises.

“In line with the statement by UNESCO Director General, Audrey Azulay, this year’s celebration should call attention to the  essential role of free and professional journalists in  producing and disseminating this information, by tackling misinformation and other harmful content.

“In this regard, the media in Nigeria and worldwide needs the necessary freedom and support to be able to play it’s expected role in properly informing and educating the public.

“Hence, the information people get should be empowering and lifesaving for public good not harmful to individual and corporate existence,” Otufodunrin said.

Established in April,1998, JFC International has continued to demonstrate commitment towards reconciling the media to God by promoting Christian ethics in journalism practice in line with its vision.

Abiola Olawale
Abiola Olawale
'Dotun Akintomide's journalism works intersect business, environment, politics and developmental issues. Among a number of local and international publications, his work has appeared in the New York Times. He's a winner of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Award. Currently, the Online Editor at The New Diplomat, Akintomide has produced reports that uniquely spoke to Nigeria's experience on Climate Change issues. When Akintomide is not writing, volunteering or working on a media project, you can find him seeing beautiful sites like the sandy beaches that bedecked the Lagos coastline.

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
Elderstatesman, Emeka Anyaoku, Speaks Again , Urges Nigeria to Adopt a "People’s Democratic Constitution""Nigeria's challenges not about the constitution, but its operators", says ObasanjoNigeria Surpasses OPEC’s 1.5 Million Barrel Oil Quota in June 2025Natasha vs Akpabio: Senate President Heads to Court, Challenges Court Order to Reinstate SenatorOluwo Commends Awujale's Burial, Says Late Monarchs Shouldn't Be "Butchered Like Animals"Alleged N6.9Billion Fraud: Drama as Ex-Governor Fayose Wins in CourtOgun PDP Knocks Dapo Abiodun, Backs Striking Workers: "Strike Action is lawful, a response to Abuse"Breaking! Atiku Abubakar Quits PDP, Signals Major Political Shift Ahead of 2027 ElectionsNational Grid Crisis: Six Universities, MTN, NDA, 16 Others Exit Grid, Resort to Own Power GenerationOgun PDP Knocks Dapo Abiodun, Backs Striking Workers: "Strike Action is lawful, a response to Abuse"Alleged N6.9Billion Fraud: Drama as Ex-Governor Fayose Wins in CourtOluwo Commends Awujale's Burial, Says Late Monarchs Shouldn't Be "Butchered Like Animals"Natasha vs Akpabio: Senate President Heads to Court, Challenges Court Order to Reinstate SenatorNigeria Surpasses OPEC’s 1.5 Million Barrel Oil Quota in June 2025"Nigeria's challenges not about the constitution, but its operators", says Obasanjo
X whatsapp