World News Day: NGE urges Journalists to shun fake news, uphold ethics

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has joined the international community to celebrate World News Day, a global event that highlights the importance of fact-based journalism.

In a statement, NGE President Eze Anaba said the Guild is committed to promoting strong editorial standards and defending press freedom.

“We salute journalists in Nigeria and around the world who work tirelessly to bring the truth,” Anaba said. “We remain committed to promoting quality journalism and protecting journalists’ right to work freely.”

The statement noted that journalism in Nigeria faces many challenges, especially attempts to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.

The Guild promised to continue defending journalists’ rights, promoting high ethical standards, and resisting efforts to intimidate or harass media workers.

It also advised journalists to avoid fake news, misinformation, and propaganda, and instead focus on accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts.

The NGE urged the government and individuals to stop using repressive laws, such as the Cybercrime Act, to intimidate journalists.

It also called on authorities to respect the Freedom of Information Act by making requested information available, in line with the UN’s Universal Day for Access to Information.

Finally, the Guild encouraged Nigerians to value truth, facts, and journalism, stressing that fact-based reporting is the foundation of a healthy democracy.

It added that citizens must support journalists in their pursuit of truth, as silencing the media threatens both democracy and freedom of expression.