Nigeria’s media industry stands at a defining crossroads — a juncture where truth battles distortion, ethics struggle against sensationalism, and the integrity of journalism is under siege from the rising tide of misinformation. In response to this crisis, the Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has announced its maiden Strategic Deliberation aimed at reclaiming the credibility of the press and combating the scourge of fake news.
Themed “Mitigating Fake News and Unethical Journalism,” the high-level convening is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the National Human Rights Commission, Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement signed by Comrade Obiora Orji, FCT Coordinator of ABJFN, the event transcends ordinary conversation — it is a clarion call to action for all journalists, bloggers, editors, and media advocates to rise above manipulation and reclaim journalism’s ethical foundations.
“This seminal gathering is more than an event — it is a reckoning,” the statement emphasized. “We must reclaim the narrative before misinformation becomes the norm. The future of journalism depends on our courage to act.”
Prof. Udenta to Deliver Keynote on Media Ethics
The deliberation will be headlined by renowned scholar and public intellectual Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, who will serve as Lead Speaker. A celebrated media ethicist, Prof. Udenta is expected to deliver an incisive address on the structural and moral decay afflicting the media space and chart a sustainable course for responsible journalism in the digital age.
Joining him as Guest Speakers are Dr. Theophilus Abba, former Managing Editor of Daily Trust Newspapers, and Mallam Abdullahi Danjuma, a respected investigative journalist and media trainer. Both speakers will explore evolving newsroom challenges — from the ethics of verification to the pressures of online competition and public trust erosion.
Goodwill Messages from Esteemed Media Veterans
Distinguished goodwill messages will be delivered by Mallam Danladi Bako, PhD, former Executive Director, NDC; Comrade Garba Mohammed, former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); and Chief Nwabueze Njoku, Director of Signature TV. Their participation underscores a shared conviction that the fight against fake news demands unity, mentorship, and renewed ethical leadership within the profession.
A Call to Rebuild Trust in the Media
In a digital era defined by algorithm-driven narratives and weaponized disinformation, the ABJFN emphasized that media credibility has never faced a greater test. The forum will provide participants an opportunity to engage with reform-minded experts, acquire practical tools for ethical reporting, and foster alliances committed to truth and accountability.
“This initiative is self-funded and born purely out of passion and commitment,” Comrade Orji stated. “We call on all media practitioners to honour this cause with their presence and participation. Our collective response will determine whether journalism remains a pillar of democracy or falls victim to distortion and distrust.”
The ABJFN’s FCT deliberation, therefore, signals a defining moment for Nigerian journalism — one where practitioners must choose between complicity in misinformation and the courage to defend truth. As the association rallies professionals under the banner of integrity, the Abuja event promises to be a turning point in the ongoing struggle to restore ethics, rebuild trust, and reclaim the soul of Nigerian journalism.
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