Amosun Advocates Regulation of Online Media

James Sowole in Abeokuta

A former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has tasked the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the need to push for the regulation of the online media, while urging stakeholders to save the journalism profession from quacks and ’emergency reporters’. 

Amosun, who stated this at the 6th Anniversary of Penpushing Media held in Abeokuta, noted that online and social media regulation was necessary in order to distinguish the sincere platforms from the dishonest, whose promoters most times are faceless, and prevent them from destroying the reputation of the professionals.

He said, “As essential as the roles of the media and its practitioners are in our society, especially in shaping the opinions and setting agenda for good governance, national cohesion, communal harmony, and socio-economic development, it is of utmost importance that the media, particularly online platforms, must do so with circumspection and deep sense of responsibility.  

“The proliferation of online media in Nigeria has become a source of concern to stakeholders in the media industry and the generality of the people. Though one can not rule out the fact that online journalism comes with its ability to ensure that news and information get to readers all over the world as they happen. The speed with which news can be written, revised, and released makes online journalism an indispensable tool for journalists and readers alike. 

“In today’s fast-paced, internet-enabled world, people are increasingly turning to online media for their news and information. This has led to a change in the way that news is reported and consumed, with online journalism now becoming a major force in influencing public opinion and sparking discussions.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) needs to set standards and code of conducts for their operations, including the accreditation of their members, and the need to educate the general public of their recourse to complain and seek redress where injured, and to ensure prompt retraction of untrue news or stories.

“This is the time for real journalists to take their rightful position. Our nation is in dire need of journalists and media practitioners who are committed and unwavering in their quest to employ their platforms to publish verifiable, objective and balanced news stories that will engender peace and tranquility in the society, national development and cohesion, and not falsehood and propaganda. 

“The media with particular emphasis on the online and social media must see itself as an integral part of the society, the media needs to serve public interests at all times so as to continue to be relevant as the fourth estate of the realm”, he said 

Speaking on the anniversary theme, ‘National Balance: Infrastructure, Institutional, Capacity and Diversity As Tools For Balancing Bloc And Good Governance’, Dr. Otive Igbuzor noted that for the country to achieve its full potential, the media must play its role as watchdog of government. 

Igbuzor, the Founding Executive Director, African Center For Leadership, Strategy and Development Center further stressed the need for well meaning Nigerians to get involved in politics, while building transformative leaders. 

Speaking, the founder, Penpushing Media, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji in his remarks, said the journalism profession should be guided by passion, adding that it is therefore necessary for self regulation of the sector by practitioners. 

He noted that while it may be difficult to get rid of fake news, he therefore urged citizens to cultivate fact checking skills, which according to him will send purveyors of fake news into oblivion.