Problems that began online will have consequences in real life, Professor Pate warns against relying on erroneous information.
Professor Umar Pate of Federal University Kashere cautions media personnel against spreading rumours and false stories in order to mislead the public and promote fake news.
Pate stated this during a public lecture titled “The Media, Social Media, and National Security: Balancing the free flow of information with responsible journalism in Nigeria,” hosted by Yola-based online media company TGNEWS.
Pate, a world-renowned mass communication strategist, experienced journalist, and broadcaster, describes excellent journalism as credible, truthful, dependable, and engaging.
He advised journalists, particularly those who work online, not to promote fake news since it can influence people’s opinions, especially during times of crisis.
He believes that if journalists incite trouble online, bandits, Boko Haram, kidnappers, the Shila Boys, and other groups will wreak havoc, murder, and bloodshed in unstable areas.
Because inaccurate information influences people’s thoughts, an internet disaster will expand into the real world.
“Once this is completed, community interactions will shift dramatically. Pate warned that mistaken links will result in widespread unrest and tragedy.
Pate addressed a large crowd of MPs, industrialists, traditional rulers, community leaders, media executives, and business magnates at an award ceremony celebrating notable Nigerians and unsung heroes as part of Tgnews’ corporate social responsibility. The event was hosted in the Lelewal Hotel Hall.
Quack journalism and other media mistakes may only increase confusion and distrust among people, communities, individuals, societies, organisations, and nations by spreading fake news, disinformation, and other misinformation via the internet and other innovative ICT. He urged media professionals to be ethical in these trying times.
This could also indicate that field journalists are risky, he said. Lack of faith in their psychological, social, online, economic, and political safety will result in lower journalism standards and practice quality.
He was concerned that new technology limits were causing legitimacy, financial, and intelligence issues for convention media.
Media organisations used to survive on advertising and product sales, but that paradigm has failed. Large firms such as Google, Amazon, and others have adopted traditional media advertising methods as a result of the numerous advantages of technology.
Media organisations face stiff competition from internet TV, radio, blogs, newspapers, and magazines for advertising revenue.
The media and the rest of the world rely on technology. Reach, money, resiliency, and other factors will keep the media engaged. The media industry requires foreign-made equipment to function properly.
“With adequate equipment and brains, little local media companies may compete with giants.” Then he said,.
He further stated that “quacks,” or unethical journalists, are distributing false information in regular news items, making people even more concerned.
He noted that modern Nigerians have fled to their communities as a result of uncertainty. Only through social media can young people learn about Nigeria and its people.
Professor Pate says that this is the source of Nigeria’s political divisions, geographic ignorance, and regionalized economic models.
Teachers from one community frequently teach in another. Lack of self-awareness and self-esteem would harm Nigeria’s media.
False information and harmful social media use lead to tribalization and politicisation of everything.
It is harmful to our country when people judge you based on your religion or race. If technological progress is unjustified, we will suffer severely. We shall all face difficulties as a result of this. He grumbled.
Pate advocates educating internet journalists global journalism standards. This would calm Nigeria.
Pate was recognised for his compassion and given a TG News award for his dedication.
Pate, Adamawa State’s Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Boss Mustapha, former Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, and Fufore/Song federal constituency representative Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya.
Archbishop Panti Philibus, Sheikh Nuruddeen Khalid, Kurhaye Hassan Dishon Dansanda II, Kwandi Nunguraya, Daniel Shaga Ismaila, Hama Bachama, Umar Sanda, Gangwari Ganye, Alhaji Abubakar Murtala, Dan Lawan Mubi, and the Belel district head have all earned meritorious service awards.
Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Rtd.), Professor Umar Pate, Dr. Abdullahi Dauda Belel, Barr. Chafari Kanya Shadrack, and Mal. Hamisu Idris Medugu were awarded the medal for their devotion and service.
Celina Peter, a groundnut vendor, Shoe Cobbler, and Ardo Usman are TGNews’ Unsung Heroes.