By Onomiguren Agbamu
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, media practitioners in Delta State have been warned against the spread of defamatory publications as political activities intensify.
The Honourable Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads, and Public Information gave the warning during the 4th-year anniversary of Hill Nigeria and a capacity-building training held in Asaba.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of New Media, Timothy Agbaragu, expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, baseless allegations, and personal attacks among political actors.
He said such practices could undermine democratic values, threaten peace, and erode public trust in the electoral process, particularly as political tensions continue to rise.
He urged politicians, their supporters, and media professionals to prioritize issue-based campaigns and verify information before publication, while stressing the need to avoid character attacks.
He also called on journalists to uphold professionalism by ensuring accuracy, balance, and credibility in their reports
Also speaking at the occasion, the chairman, Ambassador Mayor Chinedu Enujeko, commended the organizer for dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to building a platform that unites people for meaningful dialogue.
In his goodwill message, he warmly congratulated the host on the successful delivery of the programme and wished her continued progress in future endeavors.
“I commend you for organizing such an outstanding programme. Your passion and hard work are evident, and I wish you even greater success as you continue to make a positive impact,” he stated.
He further acknowledged that the host has played a significant role in positively influencing and shaping his political career.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIDEL, Agbor Professor Patrick Ijeh, and a senior lecturer, Sub Dean in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke, Dr. Blessing Umunnah urged journalists to remain committed to truth and uphold the ethics of the profession despite external pressures.
They highlighted key areas, including fact-checking, conflict-sensitive reporting, and combating misinformation.
The training aimed at strengthening professionalism among media practitioners and media stakeholders from across the country, focused on promoting credible and responsible reportage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the organizer of the programme, Mrs. Christy Aboghe, emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and safeguarding democratic values.
She noted that as the election period approaches, there is a growing need for accuracy, balance, and ethical standards in reporting.
Some participants who spoke at the event described the training as timely and impactful, adding that it has equipped them with modern tools and strategies to navigate the evolving media landscape.
They also praised the host for a well-structured and engaging programme, expressing hope for more editions in the future.
The anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages and a renewed call for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure credible and peaceful electoral processes in 2027.
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