Fake News Threatens Nigeria’s Future, DAWN Commission Warns Journalists

…Urges media practitioners to uphold ethics, factual reporting and national interest

The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has raised concerns over the increasing spread of fake news in Nigeria, warning that misinformation poses a serious threat to national development, unity and social stability.

The Director-General of the commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, made the remark while receiving the executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Ibadan.

Oyeleye stressed the critical role of the media in nation-building, urging journalists to uphold professionalism, ethical standards and factual reporting in the face of rising misinformation.
According to him, fake news has the capacity to erode public trust, deepen divisions and hinder national progress if not checked by responsible journalism.
“Fake news can destroy.

Journalists must not abdicate their responsibilities to non-professionals.

You hold a critical place in Nigeria’s development history and must remain committed to truth and responsible journalism,” he said.

The DAWN Commission boss also cautioned journalists against focusing exclusively on negative stories, noting that such reporting could damage Nigeria’s image and discourage development efforts.

“You don’t have to like any government, but you must love your country. Genuine and factual reporting can change the country and drive development. If you only report bad news, you are harming your country. We must portray Nigeria in a positive light while remaining truthful and professional,” Oyeleye added.

He called for stronger collaboration between the media and development institutions to advance the Southwest’s development agenda and address emerging challenges confronting the region.

Speaking on security concerns, Oyeleye expressed worry over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.

“We will continue to work with our principals and the media to ensure that Oriire does not happen again in the Southwest. We must not allow terrorism to take root in this region. If that happens, it could have far-reaching consequences for the country,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between journalists and the commission in promoting public engagement and regional development initiatives.

Adeniran commended the DAWN Commission for sustaining the vision of regional integration and development, assuring the commission of the media’s support in promoting programmes and policies that benefit the people.

“We are seeking partnership and co-creation in driving public engagement. The media remains a critical stakeholder in the development process, and we are open to opportunities that will enhance professionalism and improve service delivery,” he said.

Also speaking, the commission’s Head of Media Department, Mr. Segun Balogun, disclosed plans to deepen engagement with journalists through media awards, annual lectures, training programmes and strategic partnerships focused on regional development.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting capacity building for journalists, particularly in digital media and development reporting.

Other members of the Correspondents’ Chapel executive who attended the visit included the Vice Chairman, Comrade Remi Koleoso; Secretary, Comrade Rotimi Agboluaje; Financial Secretary, Ogbeni Olawale Ajao; Auditor, Mrs. Abiola Olowe; and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Kazeem Awojoodu.

Senior officials of the DAWN Commission present at the meeting included the Head of Economic Department and Research, Dr. Adesoji Farayibi; Head of Government and Data Analysis, Dr. Omolara Ejiade; and the Executive Assistant to the Director-General, Ms. Alice Afolabi.