The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jigawa State has called for enhanced accuracy and professionalism in journalism during a public lecture that focused on tackling fake news. This event was held at the NUJ Secretariat in Dutse and featured a lecture titled “JAWABI DAGA MALAMAI” delivered by Associate Professor and Chief Imam of Dutse Central Mosque, Abubakar Birnin-Kudu. The lecture underscored the critical nature of accurate reporting in maintaining societal stability and the role journalists play in this effort.

Birnin-Kudu pointed out the dangers posed by fake news and stressed that journalists must rigorously verify information prior to publication. He drew upon teachings from the Qur’an and Hadith to illustrate how Islam values truthfulness and condemns falsehood. His arguments highlighted that adhering to ethical standards in journalism is not only a professional obligation but also a religious one, encouraging journalists to align their practices with Islamic principles, which serve to enhance their credibility and societal impact.

Moreover, the scholar urged journalists to leverage their platforms to promote peace and social cohesion, emphasizing that responsible journalism is key to preventing social unrest. The call made by the NUJ and the insights from Birnin-Kudu reflect growing concerns regarding the proliferation of misinformation and the responsibilities of media professionals in Nigeria. This advocacy for accurate journalism is vital for reinforcing the trust between the media and the public, especially in a time when the credibility of news sources is increasingly questioned.