The Arewa Online Publishers’ Association, AOPA, expressesits determination to fight fake news that has dominated online media space in
Nigeria.In a release signed by the association’s Secretary, ComradeBalarabe Junaidu stated; “With the avowed commitment to objectivity andincisiveness as our guiding principles, Arewa Online Publishers’ Association, AOPA frowned against fake newswhich is gaining traction on social media.
“Although, it is observed that some people , especiallypoliticians, are using the term ‘Fake News’ against the media to the greatdetriment of journalism, media in Nigeria should strive to maintain their valuein news environment being remade by digital technology.
“Fabricated content, misleading headlines and falsecontext for millions of Internet users, AOPA observes, is reaching epidemicproportion.
“To AOPA, some online misinformation has become a majorthreat to the society, because of the resultant political disorder, theundermining of truth, the hatred and rumour that can spread in conflict.”
Worried by this development, members of the AOPA, cuttingacross the 19 Northern States and Abuja, said they were out to build morethoughtful and balanced Communities around their news.
“Nigerians should not be made to continue facing a mixof junk news, computational propaganda and information pollution.
“Rather, the universal standard of journalism to salvagethe leaders to socio- economic needs of the citizens shall remain members’focus.
“The world today faces a collision between facts andalternative facts, therefore it behooves on online Publishers to get their newsheard over the din of fake news emanating from quacks,” it further stated.
While acknowledging the campaign against fake news initiatedlast year by Nigeria’s Minister of Information , Lai Mohammed in reaction tomisinformation and hate speech, AOPA said it would like to remind Nigerians thatfake news is an information that cannot be verified , without sources and possibly , untrue.
“Therefore the move by the Minister which seems to haveshort lived, should not only be embraced but seen as part of our collectivedesire to make Social media platform responsible,” it concluded.
The Arewa Online Publishers’ Association, AOPA, expressesits determination to fight fake news that has dominated online media space inNigeria.
In a release signed by the association’s Secretary, ComradeBalarabe Junaidu stated; “With the avowed commitment to objectivity andincisiveness as our guiding principles, Arewa Online Publishers’ Association, AOPA frowned against fake newswhich is gaining traction on social media.
“Although, it is observed that some people , especiallypoliticians, are using the term ‘Fake News’ against the media to the greatdetriment of journalism, media in Nigeria should strive to maintain their valuein news environment being remade by digital technology.
“Fabricated content, misleading headlines and falsecontext for millions of Internet users, AOPA observes, is reaching epidemicproportion.
“To AOPA, some online misinformation has become a majorthreat to the society, because of the resultant political disorder, theundermining of truth, the hatred and rumour that can spread in conflict.”
Worried by this development, members of the AOPA, cuttingacross the 19 Northern States and Abuja, said they were out to build morethoughtful and balanced Communities around their news.
“Nigerians should not be made to continue facing a mixof junk news, computational propaganda and information pollution.
“Rather, the universal standard of journalism to salvagethe leaders to socio- economic needs of the citizens shall remain members’focus.
“The world today faces a collision between facts andalternative facts, therefore it behooves on online Publishers to get their newsheard over the din of fake news emanating from quacks,” it further stated.
While acknowledging the campaign against fake news initiatedlast year by Nigeria’s Minister of Information , Lai Mohammed in reaction tomisinformation and hate speech, AOPA said it would like to remind Nigerians thatfake news is an information that cannot be verified , without sources and possibly , untrue.
“Therefore the move by the Minister which seems to haveshort lived, should not only be embraced but seen as part of our collectivedesire to make Social media platform responsible,” it concluded.
