During a lecture commemorating the 90th birthday of the pioneer General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, former Governor of Ogun State emphasized the importance of trained journalists reclaiming their space from untrained individuals flooding social media with misinformation. The event, organized by the League of Veteran Journalists in Lagos, aimed to honor the contributions of veteran journalists.
Drawing a parallel between journalism and ancestral land, the former Managing Director of the Daily Times encouraged journalists to stay updated with social media trends to prevent others from usurping their field. He stressed the need for journalists to adapt to the evolving media landscape globally.
A recent report highlighted the public’s demand for mandatory user identity verification on social media platforms to combat the spread of fake news. The survey indicated that users are more likely to trust platforms that verify user identities, especially in the lead-up to significant events like elections.
Addressing the living conditions of retired journalists, the Chairman of the League appealed for recognition of the contributions made by journalists like the honoree to the NUJ and the nation. The guest lecturer emphasized the perpetual nature of journalism, stating that there is no retirement in the profession and no age limit to its practice.
The celebrant shared anecdotes of his struggles to uphold the NUJ’s integrity, including a personal experience where the former Governor intervened to save his life after a severe accident. Grateful for the intervention, the celebrant hoped to celebrate his 100th birthday with similar honors.
Various speakers at the event praised the honoree for his dedication to journalism and urged the younger generation to emulate his commitment to the profession. The event aimed to acknowledge the sacrifices and achievements of veteran journalists while inspiring the next generation to uphold journalistic standards.