"Stop Fake News": Governor Alex Otti Urges Nigerian Journalists to Replace Fearmongering with Hopeful, Fact-Based Reporting

 

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has made a clarion call to media professionals across Nigeria, particularly those working within the state, to adopt a responsible approach to journalism. Speaking through the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during the 2025 Media Vision Africa Training held in Umuahia on Tuesday, Otti emphasized the media’s powerful role in shaping public perception and national direction.

Rather than engage in sensationalism or peddling unfounded reports that might stoke anxiety or confusion, the governor appealed to journalists to produce content that uplifts the spirit of the people and promotes constructive narratives. He stated that at a time when Abia is working hard to rebuild key sectors, particularly security and economic structures, stories that induce panic can be detrimental to ongoing efforts.

Governor Otti stressed that media professionals have a duty to society that goes beyond content creation. Their voices, he said, influence the collective psychology of the people. Therefore, they must ensure that their messages are built on verified facts and presented with depth and clarity.

“Today’s Abia is undergoing transformative changes. We have made significant strides in areas like infrastructure, healthcare, and local economic empowerment. These developments should not be overshadowed by exaggerated accounts of what is not yet perfect. Let us be fair: report the flaws, but do so alongside the progress we are making,” he said.

The governor expressed concern over the growing trend of misinformation, which often comes disguised as activism or political commentary. He warned that such practices not only damage public trust but also undermine the credibility of the media industry itself. He urged those undergoing media training to see themselves as agents of national renewal, not tools of propaganda or chaos.

Encouraging a partnership between the media and the government, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and developmental journalism. He reiterated that his government sees the media as a crucial stakeholder in the democratic process and remains open to working with practitioners to create a more informed and progressive society.

The training event, organized by Vision Africa, brought together a cross-section of aspiring journalists, media students, and communication professionals. It served as a platform for building new competencies and reshaping media perspectives in a changing world.

Speaking at the event, the President of Vision Africa, Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, called on young Nigerians to step beyond traditional pathways to success. According to him, the age of waiting for government appointments or political favor is over. What the country needs now, he said, are thinkers, builders, and creators.

“Our youth must learn to craft their own paths. Media is one of the strongest tools available to shape culture and leadership in this country. But this tool must be wielded with integrity and foresight,” Bishop Onuoha stated.

He encouraged the participants to look beyond the present and embrace the discipline, creativity, and sense of purpose that responsible journalism demands. For him, the media is not only a channel for disseminating information but a mechanism for national transformation. He reminded attendees that every news story has the potential to either build bridges or burn them.

The training covered a range of topics, including digital storytelling, ethics in reporting, combating fake news, and the role of media in fostering national cohesion. Experts and seasoned journalists took participants through practical sessions, aiming to equip them with modern tools to navigate an increasingly complex media environment.

As Nigeria grapples with challenges ranging from insecurity to economic uncertainty, both Governor Otti and Bishop Onuoha agreed that the media must become part of the solution. They urged media practitioners to tell stories that are honest but hopeful, critical but constructive.

The message was clear: the pen remains mightier than the sword, but only when wielded with truth, empathy, and purpose.