NGE celebrates world news day, urges journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation

NGE logo

By CHIKA CHIMEZIE

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) joins the international community to celebrate the all-important World News Day on September 28, a global initiative to highlight the vital role of fact-based journalism in our societies.

As a body, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom.

We salute journalists in Nigeria and worldwide who work tirelessly to bring us the truth as we recommit to our mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely.

As we celebrate World News Day, we note the challenges journalism as a profession faces in Nigeria, most especially the growing attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.

We will always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standard in our noble profession, and resist any move, in whatever means, to harass and intimidate journalists as well as impede journalism.

We call on journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda, but to uphold the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts.

We use this opportunity to urge the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, including Cybercrime ( Prohibition and Prevention, etc) Act, to harass and intimidate journalists