Ndueso calls for truth-driven journalism in digital age

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation and Board of Trustees Chairman of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, Dr. Essien Ndueso, has called on journalists and media practitioners to uphold professionalism, credibility, and responsible journalism amid the growing influence of citizen journalism and social media reporting.

Ndueso made the call while delivering a lecture titled “The rise of citizen journalism: Opportunities and challenges for mainstream media” before members of the Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the evolving media landscape, he noted that digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have transformed the way information is generated and disseminated, enabling ordinary citizens to participate actively in news gathering and reporting.

According to him, citizen journalism has created opportunities for previously unheard voices to gain visibility, while also improving real-time access to information and public engagement in national discourse.

Referencing the End SARS protests, Dr. Ndueso explained that citizen-generated reports played a significant role in documenting events and drawing global attention to happenings across the country.

He, however, expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and unverified reports on social media, warning that speed without accuracy should not be mistaken for journalism.

“For every truth it reveals, there is a lie that travels faster,” he stated, emphasizing the need for verification and ethical standards in news dissemination.

The SSA on Research and Documentation stressed that mainstream media organizations must adapt to the changing realities by embracing digital tools, fact-checking mechanisms, multimedia storytelling, and stronger audience engagement.

He also encouraged collaboration between professional journalists and citizen reporters, provided such collaborations are guided by ethics, responsibility, and accuracy.

Dr. Ndueso further highlighted the importance of organizations such as Africa Check in sustaining credibility and combating fake news in the digital age.

Addressing media professionals in Eket Senatorial District, he maintained that the emergence of citizen journalism should not be viewed as the extinction of traditional media, but rather its transformation and evolution.

“You are no longer just storytellers; you are verifiers of storms, interpreters of chaos, guardians of credibility,” he told the audience.

He concluded by urging journalists and social media users alike to cultivate the habit of verifying information before publishing or forwarding it, noting that trust remains the most valuable currency in journalism and public communication.

The high point of a One Day Media Symposium at Eden Hotel, Eket, was the conferment of a resounding vote of confidence by members of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals on Senator Ekong Sampson for his remarkable contributions to the district through effective representation.

The 2026 Media Symposium organized by Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals in collaboration with Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) Abuja and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), drew participants from all walks of life including Professor Peter Esuh, Prof. Charles Obot, Elder Paul Bassey, Professor Nsikak Bassey, Professor Herbert Batta, Professor Ita Ewa-Oboho, Dr. Chris Okon, Dr. Essien Ndueso, Dr. Idongesit Ashimeri, Dr. Sunday Antai, His Worship, Magistrate Sam Ukoima, Dr. Benson Oke, Chairman of the Association, Dr. Edet Okpo, Dr. Marshal Abia, among others.