Gov Namadi tasks editors on fact checking to prevent fake news
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, has tasked Nigerian Editors to continue to invest in verification to prevent fake news.
Namadi stated this in a Goodwill Message at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2026), organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu.
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors came into being in 1961, only a year after Nigeria gained independence. Since then, the Guild has developed as a professional institution committed to public reason, civic responsibility, press freedom, and democratic accountability. From its earliest days to date, the Guild has brought together editorial leaders who understood that journalism, in its authentic essence, is principled, not merely a trade, but a solemn public duty. In its defence, some may even have paid the ultimate price rather than compromise its ideals.
“It is against this distinguished legacy that we gather in Enugu for this year’s conference to reflect on the media’s continuing responsibility to Nigeria’s democracy and national development. I commend the Government and good people of Enugu State for hosting the conference. With its special place in Nigeria’s political, cultural, and media history, Enugu provides a fitting setting for editors from across the federation to consider the future of journalism and its role in strengthening democracy, development, and national cohesion.
“I am particularly excited by the choice of theme for this year’s conference: “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.” It is both timely and profound. The subtheme, “When Lies Look Real…”, is equally compelling. In this era of digital transformation, AI-based disinformation is among the most serious threats to modern democracy because it can imitate reality, manipulate public opinion, inflame tensions, and undermine confidence in electoral outcomes. Artificial intelligence, image-editing software, and other emerging ICT tools can now generate and manipulate text, images, audio, and video so convincingly that falsehood can readily appear true. Members of the Guild, and indeed all citizens, must therefore be equipped to detect and debunk disinformation, especially before, during, and after elections.
“For this reason, I urge Nigerian media to continue to invest in verification systems, newsroom fact-checking capacity, media literacy, ethical use of technology, and collaboration across platforms to detect and debunk harmful disinformation early. For me, the challenge before editors should not be about “breaking news,” – who breaks the news first – but about ensuring responsible publishing, protecting the truth, and helping citizens understand it with clarity and confidence,” he said.
Namadi said that the theme of the conference was appropriate as the country was preparing for the 2027 general elections.
“The theme reminds us that credible elections depend not only on the ballot box, but also on well-informed citizens who can make their choices free from deceptive narratives, lies that look real, or AI-generated falsehoods designed
“The media therefore bears a vital responsibility to provide accurate and objective reporting before, during, and after every electoral contest. To perform this role effectively, the media must strengthen fact-checking and verification, uphold professional ethics, and equip journalists to detect and counter disinformation without compromising editorial independence.
‘Distinguished editors, the press remains one of the strongest pillars of our democracy. At every decisive moment in Nigeria’s journey, the media has helped to inform citizens, interrogate power, defend public interest, and give voice to the aspirations of ordinary people. Your work goes beyond reporting events; it fosters peace, unity, and national cohesion, deepens public understanding, promotes accountability, and reinforces society’s moral foundations. All these are all essential to democratic governance in which citizens are well-informed, institutions are held accountable, and the rule of law prevails.
“Let me begin by congratulating the President, the Standing Committee, and the entire membership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors for sustaining the All Nigeria Editors Conference as one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for professional reflection, constructive dialogue, and the strengthening of ethical standards in journalism. Since its inauguration in Ada, Osun State, in 2004, the conference has remained a proud tradition of the Guild. For 22 years, it has promoted professional excellence, defended press freedom, strengthened editorial integrity, and deepened national conversation on democracy, governance, and development.
“Let me use this opportunity to salute the outstanding leaders who helped shape the Guild’s proud legacy. They include its founding President, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, of blessed memory, and other eminent past leaders such as Prince Tony Momoh, Chris Okolie, Ray Ekpu, Garba Shehu, Oluremi Oyo, and Bala Dan Tiye, during whose tenure the Annual All Nigeria Editors Conference began. I also acknowledge all succeeding presidents who sustained the tradition. I commend the current President, Eze Anaba, for building on this distinguished legacy and ensuring that the Guild remains true to its ideals of professionalism, integrity, press freedom, and national service,” he said.
