Minister of Youth Development Urges Journalists to Combat Fake News
By Usman A Harande
Comrade Ayodele Olawande Calls for Ethical Journalism to Protect Democracy
Abuja, Nigeria – January 26, 2025
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged journalists nationwide to take a proactive stance against the spread of fake news, which he described as a growing threat to democracy and public trust in the media.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Female Journalists Network at his office in Abuja, Comrade Olawande emphasized the pivotal role of media professionals in combating misinformation and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Fake news undermines democracy and erodes public confidence in the media. If we fail to address this menace urgently, it could reverse the democratic progress we’ve made as a nation over the years,” the Minister stated.
He called for sustained efforts to educate media practitioners on the dangers of misinformation while urging them to maintain high ethical standards and eliminate bias in their reporting. “Journalists must detach emotions from their work and remain committed to professional ethics to ensure credibility,” he added.
Female Journalists Network Highlights Key Social Initiatives
Representing the Female Journalists Network, Mr. Daniel Black reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting social development through inclusive conversations and impactful initiatives. He highlighted the group’s participation in the upcoming 63rd Commission for Social Development scheduled for February 10–14, which will focus on key global issues like poverty eradication and gender inclusion.
“Our goal is to amplify the voices of Nigerian civil society organizations on global platforms and foster discussions on critical social challenges. We also invite government ministries and agencies to collaborate with us by contributing to these dialogues and supporting actionable outcomes,” Black noted.
The Ministry’s Director of the Network for Social Mobilization, Hajia Amina Dauran, commended the Female Journalists Network for their visit and assured them of the Ministry’s support in driving social development initiatives forward.
This collaboration underscores the importance of unified efforts between the government and civil society to address pressing social issues and build a more inclusive and informed society.
About The Author
