Lagos State tasks online reporters’ group on professionalism

The Lagos State Government has asked an online reporters’ group to uphold professionalism and ethical reporting to ensure effective communication in the digital era.

Mr. Olumide Sogunle, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, made the call on Tuesday when the leadership of the Online Reporters Association of Nigeria (ORAN) at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa, Lagos. 

The Permanent Secretary, who underscored the importance of professionalism and ethical reporting in today’s fast-paced digital landscape also stressed the need for responsible and ethical reporting in these times.

The ethics of journalism practice, Sogunle said, include seeking and reporting the truth, fact-checking, identifying sources, and promoting the open exchange of opinions.

According to him, online reporters are encouraged to act independently, be accountable, correct mistakes, invite criticism, and expose unethical practices in the media. They are also urged to adhere to journalistic values such as honesty, courage, fairness, balance, independence, credibility, and diversity, without giving priority to commercial or political considerations over professional ones.

Sogunle, while welcoming the ORAN delegation and recognised the crucial role that online media plays in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. He emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to supporting online reporters in promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

Mr. Tijani Adegbola, President of ORAN, praised the State Government’s efforts, facilitated through the Ministry, in promoting press freedom and access to information. He assured that the association would continue to prioritise responsible and ethical reporting.

Discussions between the two parties focused on enhancing the capacity of online reporters through training and addressing challenges in the field.