Media professionals in Delta State have been urged to exercise caution and uphold ethical standards as political activities intensify ahead of the next general elections, amid growing concerns over the spread of defamatory and misleading content.
The warning was delivered by the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, through the Director of New Media, Timothy Agbaragu, during the fourth anniversary celebration of Hill Nigeria Media and a capacity-building training for journalists held in Asaba.
Aniagwu expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, baseless allegations, and personal attacks among political actors, warning that such practices could undermine democratic values, threaten peace, and weaken public trust in the electoral process.
He noted that the caution comes at a critical time when political activities are increasing and tensions are gradually building ahead of the elections, stressing that unchecked defamatory content could mislead voters or even trigger conflict.
The commissioner called on politicians, their supporters, and media practitioners to prioritise fact-checking and responsible communication, urging them to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than engaging in character attacks.
While commending the organisers of the programme, he encouraged journalists to remain professional by delivering accurate, balanced, and credible reports that inform the public without inflaming tensions.
Chairman of the occasion, Chinedu Enujeko, also praised the initiative, describing it as a platform that promotes meaningful dialogue, unity, and personal development, particularly among young people.
He congratulated the organiser for successfully hosting the event and acknowledged her contribution to fostering positive change, adding that such efforts play an important role in strengthening society and even influencing political growth.
In separate remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Delta, Patrick Ijeh, alongside Blessing Umunnah of Federal University Otuoke, urged journalists to remain committed to truth and professional ethics despite external pressures.
They highlighted the importance of fact-checking, conflict-sensitive reporting, and combating misinformation, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The training programme, which attracted media practitioners from across the country, focused on strengthening professionalism and equipping journalists with modern skills for credible and responsible reporting.
In her remarks, the organiser, Christy Aboghe, emphasised the vital role of the media in shaping public opinion and safeguarding democracy, noting that accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting are especially important during election periods.
Participants at the event described the training as timely and impactful, saying it provided them with practical tools to navigate the evolving media landscape and tackle misinformation effectively.
The anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages and renewed calls for stronger collaboration among media stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in 2027.
