By Steve Oni, Ilorin
A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Dr Rasaq Adisa, has advocated the use of multiple sources by journalists in verifying authenticity of information before making it public.
Adisa gave the charge on Monday in a paper presented at a seminar organised by the Kware state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin.
The theme of the seminar was” investigation Journalism as tool to curbing the phenomenon of fake news.
The seminar climaxed the week long activities lined up to mark the 2019 press week of the council.
He said Journalists must always muster the courage to be factual in their reportage regardless of whose ox is gored.
“Journalists must always pursue public interest and not selfish interest. To get the society better, we have to step on toes”, he said.
While speaking on the phenomenon of fake news, the mass communication teacher, counseled Journalists to “develop multiple sources” in verifying the authenticity of their information while technology should be used to conduct thorough investigation.
Adisa tasked practitioners particularly, those in the traditional media not to shark their responsibility of agenda setting and as well guide against situations where they will always depend on foreign media for news breaks of happenings in Nigeria.
Chief press secretary to the governor of Kwara state, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, who expressed delight that the NUJ organised such seminar to curb the phenomenon of fake news, urged Journalists to rise above board and always cross check their facts before going to press.
While declaring the seminar open, the permanent secretary, ministry of Information and communication, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Mustafa represented by a director in the ministry, Dr Fatima Amuda, charged Journalists to imbibe the spirit of patriotism in the discharge of their duties.
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