The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has detailed the rationale behind the fight against fake news and hate speech, IgbereTV reports
Mohammed spoke on Thursday during the Regional Forum for West Africa while speaking on the UNESCO World Report on Freedom of Expression 2021/20221.
According to him, the spread of misinformation and fake news means media houses must set up a fact-checking desk to arrest such prevalence.
He said, “It is instructive to note that the freedom of expression we enjoy comes with a huge responsibility.
“Sadly, some of our compatriots in the journalism profession take advantage of this freedom to engage in misinformation and hate speech and to spread fake news.
“That was why we launched a national campaign against fake news and hate speech in 2018, a campaign that has brought the issue to the front burner of national discourse.
“I want to urge journalists within the West African sub-region to join hands with our various governments to curb the activities of such journalists who taint the image and good works of those of us who desire to uphold the ethos and professionalism of this very important profession.”
