By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Niger State Council of the the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will synergies with the Department of State Services ((DSS) in the fight against fake news and misinformation for the development of the country.
The synergy was cemented on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Director of DSS in Niger state, Usman Bello Ibrahim by members of the State Working Committee ( SWC) of the union led by the Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu.
The Director described journalists as best friends and partners in progress with the security service, adding that, “we should work together for the good interest of the society and to achieve the desired development of our nation”.
While commending the leadership of the union for taking measures to eliminate quackery in Journalism profession and intensified fight against fake news and misinformation, the Director assured of maximum support and collaboration.
He noted with dismay the negative impact fake news and misinformation is having in the society, explaining that in most cases, such fake news are peddled by quacks and unprofessional persons.
Speaking earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu sought the support and collaboration of the Security Services in the union’s fight against fake news merchants in the state.
He explained that the union has recently constituted a committee to verify the professional status of Journalists practising in the state aimed at bringing sanity to the Journalism profession.
He said, “we are here to commend and appreciate you for the supportive and friendly environment you have created for our members in their line of duty while on assignments. We are also here to seek for synergy between the NUJ and the DSS as partners in progress. Let me assure you of our determination to conduct reports without subverting the general good of the society While focusing on development Journalism also known as solution based journalism “.
According to him, Journalists are known for agenda setting based on dissemination of factual informations, adding that “unfortunately people now patronise quacks in place of professional Journalists. More often, it is these quacks that peddle fake news and misinformation in our society “.
