Gov. AbdulRazaq Warns Against Fake News at Kwara NUJ Press Week
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has urged journalists to take full control of the media space to rid the profession of quacks and curb the spread of fake news across the country.
AbdulRazaq made the call at the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, held in Ilorin. He was represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu.
The governor said trained journalists must not surrender the media terrain to unqualified individuals, stressing that professionalism and adherence to ethics remain the strongest defence against misinformation, even in the digital age.
According to him, the rise of digital platforms does not excuse journalists from ethical responsibilities, warning that press freedom should never be mistaken for a licence to peddle falsehood.
“I want to call on our colleagues here not to join those who are in the habit of engaging in fake news and misinformation.
“Those who are found there are not professional journalists, and that is why it is important for professionals to take charge of the media space so that quacks will not destroy our profession,” the governor said
He added that public trust in the media can only be sustained when journalistsThe governor said trained journalists must not surrender the media terrain to unqualified individuals, stressing that professionalism and adherence to ethics remain the strongest defence against misinformation, even in the digital age. uphold accuracy and fact-checking in their reportage.
“Freedom of the press is not a licence for misinformation, disinformation and fake news. One of the fundamental requirements for public confidence in any media organisation is to ensure that it is never guilty of fake news or unnecessary retractions.”
AbdulRazaq also commended journalists in the state who continue to uphold ethical standards, noting that their commitment ensures the people of Kwara and Nigerians at large are well informed with credible and verifiable information.
He further praised the NUJ for its collaboration with the state government, describing the partnership as key to good governance in Kwara.
“In the history of Kwara State, by the consensus of the people, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq remains the best governor. He is also the governor who has brought the highest number of journalists and media practitioners into governance,” he said
Also speaking at the event, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Oyatoye Olufayo II, applauded journalists for consistently upholding the core principles of the profession, while expressing concern over the growing menace of fake news in society.
He urged media practitioners to strictly adhere to professional rules, noting that irresponsible information dissemination poses serious risks to social stability.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ, Kwara State Council, Lanre Ahmed Abdullateef, said the Press Week provided an opportunity for journalists to reflect on the state of the profession over the past year.
He thanked members for their resilience and dedication to restoring the union’s glory, while acknowledging the support received from the AbdulRazaq administration.
Ahmed pledged that journalists in the state would continue to discharge their duties with patriotism and professionalism, while supporting government policies and programmes aimed at development.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to eminent Nigerians, including the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; the Oloro of Oro Kingdom; the lawmaker representing Ilorin South Constituency, Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi; the Commissioner for Works, Engr Abdulkawiy Olododo; and the Special Adviser to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Abiola Yunus Abdulkareem.
Several NUJ members also received awards and cash gifts at the ceremony, which was attended by top government officials and media aides to the governor.
