Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday raised alarm over the escalating dangers posed by fake news, misinformation, and disinformation to Nigeria’s unity and stability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Both leaders spoke at the third edition of the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture, themed “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” held in Ikeja, Lagos.

In his address, Mohammed—represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa—likened the present threats of the digital age to the era of press suppression under colonial and military regimes.

“The digital age has opened the floodgates of information and misinformation. Social media has democratised speech but also diluted truth. Artificial intelligence now creates headlines, but who checks the heart behind them?” he asked.

He decried the growing pressure on editorial independence, warning that many media outlets now risk sacrificing truth for access to the deep pockets of politicians and corporate interests eager to control public narratives.

According to him, nation-building will remain a mirage unless the media recommit to its watchdog role—defending the rule of law, holding leaders accountable, promoting civic education, fostering national reconciliation, and embracing linguistic inclusion.

“The moment a society begins to ignore judicial decisions, it is on the path to lawlessness. No nation can survive selective justice. The media must call out every instance where court orders are flouted—not because of who is involved, but because of what is at stake: the soul of the republic.

Journalists must question every candidate, scrutinise every promise, and prioritise integrity over popularity. Leadership should be a contest of ideas, not identities,” he stressed.

Mohammed also urged the media to spearhead a Truth and Reconciliation Summit to confront historic grievances, while warning journalists to purge internal corruption and poor labour practices:

“The pen must remain clean to remain powerful.”

On his part, Information Minister Mohammed Idris—represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga—warned that unchecked fake news could one day “set the nation on fire.”

He condemned self-styled “citizen journalists” who exploit smartphones and internet access to spread unverified reports, cautioning trained professionals not to follow their lead.

“We now have all kinds of people calling themselves journalists. They have muddled things up.

Many cases of misinformation and disinformation are being pushed out in the name of professionalism. The Guild of Editors must ensure that those practicing journalism adhere strictly to the rules of engagement,” Idris said.

Citing a recent incident, Idris recalled how false reports claimed that Mohammed Babangida, son of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, had rejected a government appointment—claims Babangida later debunked in person.

“Many of us shared or reprinted that lie. Don’t retweet or publish anything you see on social media without verification. Fake news travels fast, and by the time you retract it, many would have believed the falsehood,” he warned.

Other speakers at the event included Mr. Joseph Adeyeye (Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The PUNCH), Prof. Lai Olurode (former INEC National Commissioner), Mr. Femi Adesina (former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Buhari), Mrs. Funke Egbemode (former NGE President), and Mr. Emeka Izeze (former MD/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian).

Also in attendance were Mrs. Sikirat Jakande (widow of the late Jakande), Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu (former Lagos Deputy Governor), Mr. Eze Anaba (NGE President), Mr. Gbenga Omotoso (Lagos Commissioner for Information), Mr. Kayode Akinmade (Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media), Mr. Michael Effiong (SSA to Governor Umo Eno on Lagos Liaison), and Mr. Lade Bunuola (Founding Editor, The Guardian).

Chairing the occasion, Prof. Olurode noted that the core challenge confronting Nigeria is not ethnic or religious division but rather a persistent “poverty of leadership.”