The Ogun-East Independent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), under the leadership of Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, has inaugurated a task force to work with security agencies in combating the spread of fake news and identifying unprofessional journalists operating within the region.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chapel explained that the initiative aligns with the directive of the State Council of the NUJ, following the inauguration of the Chapel’s executive members.

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

“The growing trend of fake news and unverified reports; often spread through social media by bloggers and content creators who parade themselves as journalists has dire consequences for journalism.

“It erodes public trust in the media, undermines democracy, promotes social unrest, fuels political conflicts, and negatively affects society at large.”

The Chapel expressed concern about the rising number of untrained individuals posing as journalists, particularly those acting as media aides to political office holders and private organizations, stressing that such practices damage the credibility of the profession.

As part of its commitment to ethical journalism, the Ogun-East Independent Chapel pledged to intensify efforts to expose quacks and safeguard the integrity of journalism in the region. 

It also urged government agencies, corporate bodies, private institutions, and the public to engage only accredited journalists for media coverage. Interested organizations were advised to contact the Chapel’s Secretary for proper verification and registration of journalists for their events.

The Chapel further announced that the task force, alongside its executives, will embark on familiarisation visits to the Police Area Commands in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode to seek collaboration in addressing the menace of fake journalism and misinformation across the Ijebu and Remo axis.

In addition, the Chapel inaugurated a Board of Elders, comprising respected veteran journalists, in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the profession.

The Chapel called on members of the public to support its mission of upholding professionalism and combating the spread of fake news and quack journalism in the overall interest of society.