NUJ Ogun-East Launches Task Force Against Fake News, Quack Journalism

The Ogun-East Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated a task force to collaborate with security agencies in tackling fake news and curbing quackery within the journalism profession across the region.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chapel, led by Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, explained that the initiative was in line with the directive of the NUJ State Council, following the recent inauguration of its executive members.

The task force, chaired by the Chapel’s Treasurer, Comrade Dairo Johnson, will work with support from Comrade Ademola Ogunlana, Assistant Secretary, and Mr. Damilare Majekodunmi.

According to the Chapel, the proliferation of unverified reports and misinformation—mostly spread by bloggers and self-acclaimed media practitioners—poses serious dangers to society.

“The growing trend of fake news erodes public trust in the media, undermines democracy, promotes social unrest, fuels political conflicts, and negatively affects society at large,” the statement read.

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The body expressed concern over the rise of untrained individuals parading as journalists, especially those serving as media aides to political office holders and private organisations, stressing that the practice weakens the credibility of the profession.

As part of its resolve to strengthen ethical journalism, the Ogun-East Chapel vowed to intensify efforts to expose quacks and safeguard the integrity of the media. It urged government agencies, private organisations, corporate bodies, and the general public to engage only accredited journalists for media coverage.

The Chapel advised that all organisations should contact its Secretary for proper verification and registration of journalists covering their events.

To further consolidate its operations, the task force and Chapel executives will embark on familiarisation visits to Police Area Commands in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, with the aim of fostering collaboration against misinformation across the Ijebu and Remo axis.

In addition, the Chapel announced the inauguration of a Board of Elders comprising veteran journalists, honoured for their longstanding contributions to the profession.

The Chapel appealed for public support in upholding professionalism and combating the menace of fake news in the overall interest of society.