Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Online media practitioners have been told to constantly publish verifiable truth and adhere to the principles of fairness and balance.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state said this at the formal launch of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) in Lagos on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah who stood in for the governor at well attended epoch making event said:
“As far as I am concerned, if a medium constantly publishes verifiable truth, it is for the good of the society, as long as the principles of fairness and balance are strictly adhered to.
“Let the truth be your watchword at all times. It is only truth that can stand the test of time and make those who disagree with you to earn your respect.
“There are questions that writers should always seek answers: is my intention to build; is my quest for thepubli; will it promote good governance and sustainable development? These are the salient questions that need to be addressed in the course of your duties.
“I am happy that a good majority are purpose driven. They see hopes instead of despair, opportunities in the face of global economic meltdown, the dire need for the diversification of the economy and the unity of our people. To this group, I commend your efforts.”
President of OPAN, Olufemi Awoyemi, in a speech titled “The Imperative of Standards”said the Association has set what obtains in the Euro Zone and the United States of America (USA) as its benchmark for its members, considering the high level of internet penetration in Nigeria.
Country Manager of Google Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, in a keynote speech said, “We don’t just go online, we live online. About 50 million Nigerians are online and online transcends geographical boundaries.”
Guest Speaker, Mr Nduka Obiagbena, Chairman, Thisday Newspapers and President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) described online as a mass distribution platform for Media and journalism. He said what has changed is bringing in the digital age and therefore advised online publishers to adhere strictly to the core tenets of journalism.
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