LAGOS INFORMATION MINISTRY CAUTIONS JOURNALISTS ON FAKE NEWS

The Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Bolanle Ogunmola has called on journalists to ensure government information is verified before its dissemination to the public to forestall rumour-mongering and fake news.

The Permanent Secretary spoke during a five-kilometre walk- for-fitness programme, organised by the Lagos Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to mark the second anniversary of the Dr. Qasim Akinreti led Executive Committee of the Union.

She said that the release of inadequate information by journalists gives adequate room for rumours and fake news, urging journalists to always cross-check their facts whenever in doubt before going to press.Ogunmola, who addressed the NUJ members in the company of the Director, Public Affairs in the Ministry, Mr. Sina Thorpe advised journalists to always write rejoinders whenever they misinformed about either the State or Federal government.

She also encouraged members of the media to always strive to improve themselves, especially in this era of digital media and social media.

Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Dr. Qasim Akinreti commended the Ministry of Information and Strategy and the Lagos State government for assisting the Union in remodelling its secretariat.