ZAINAB JUNAID
As part of its week -long scheduled activities to mark Year 2025 National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) Week, the association on Thursday, 16 October 2025, held a Impactful One-Day capacity building workshop for media practitioners at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja, Lagos.
The training, themed: “Securing and Safeguarding Journalists Freedom: How To Avoid The Pitfalls of Cybercrime”, brought together professionals whose pens, cameras, and keyboards hold immense power in shaping public perception and strengthening accountability in the society.
Lagos State Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Adebisi Adebola representing the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin at the workshop.
In his keynote address, the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, ably represented by the Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Adebisi Adebola, commended the organisers for the thoughtful initiative which not only build professional capacity but also strengthen public trust and national stability.
CSP Hundeyin stressed that the gathering is timely as the country navigates the complex relationship between media, radio, security reporting, and the legal frameworks that guide online platforms.
To him, the media possessed the power to inform, educate, and shape the society’s perception. However, with the power comes great responsibility.
“In this age of social media, where information travels faster than ever, the line between truth and falsehood can easily blow. Fake news, sensational reporting, and unverified content have become tools that can cause fear, and damage decisions, and even endanger lives”.
He acknowledged the importance of press freedom but asserted that the freedom which is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy comes with limits defined by ethics and law.
“The Cyber Crimes Prevention Act, as amended, 2024, signed into law on February 28, 2020, reinforces the need for responsible digital communication. It updates the 2015 Act to address emerging trends in Nigeria’s cyber landscape, including online falsehoods, cyber-smoking, and identity theft,” he said. “Importantly, it reminds us that freedom without responsibility can be destructive. Security reporting in particular, demands professionalism, caution, and patriotism. Every report requiring a conflict asks implications for victims, investigations, and public confidence. This is why I encourage all practitioners to verify information, especially those relating to so-called security matters, before publication”.
The force image maker further informed that the NPF prioritized transparency, engagement, and trust through open communication with the media and the public.
He said, “We value relationships and view the media as critical stakeholders in our collective efforts to build a safer Nigeria. The theme, how to avoid the pitfalls of cyber crime, could not be more relevant than now. My advice to generalists is simple, verify before you publish, and be mindful of the digital footprint, and stay informed about the laws guiding online behavior.
“In the quest for speech, let us not sacrifice accuracy. Being first to report, here is nothing if the report is false. Accuracy builds credibility, and credibility sustains freedom. This workshop is not just a training exercise, it is a partnership between the media and security agencies. Together, we value a society where press freedom thrives alongside accountability and makes every story contribute to peace and unity”.
Also, Oluwadamilola Jaiyeola, Public Relations Officer, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Lagos State Sector Command, affirmed that freedom of Speech is a constitutional right but freedom without responsibility is vulnerability and vulnerability can cost credibility.
She stressed the need for verification of information before disseminating it to the public.
“In this digital age, that front line has shifted from newsroom to smartphone, from the pen to the keyboard. Journalists used to be technical chefs. Now, some of us are content creators who are digital watchdogs, gatekeepers of the truth in the modernised information world. Our platforms have faster reached the world wider, and the influence is deeper than ever before”. “So, let us have collective commitment to protect the truth, protect ourselves, be free, be responsible, to speak up with wisdom, ethics, and security. Because the future of journalism belongs not only to those who can tell the story, but to those who can tell it safely, truthfully, and wisely”.
Mr. Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the workshop.
Delivering a speech on the role of media in the fight against corruption, Mr. Demola Bakare, Director Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), posited that corruption encompasses more than just a financial gain, stressing 60% of corruption is not always peculiar but could emanate as a result of abuse of office or conflict of interest.
He said the act of using one’s influence or position to secure favour or benefits is also an act of corruption. It could be abuse of office or conflict of interest.
In his words, “The role of media in this situation is to set an agenda.This could be an agenda for accountability, an agenda for poverty, and the media has its own ethics. How we practise that ethics matters a lot. Online media particularly, plays a dual role, as both a watchdog and a partner in governance.
“It’s not all the time that the media stand as catapults to the government. Some of the time, the government and even society deserves a partnership from the media. So journalists do investigative and accountability reporting, give voice to the voiceless, expose malfeasance, and encourage transparency in public service. In this sense, the media is not just a store in town, it is a stakeholder in nation building”.
He continued, “As corruption remains one of the greatest threats to national development, journalists have the responsibility to shine a light on acts that undermine integrity in governance. However, this duty must be exercised with accuracy, balance, and fairness as inaccurate or sensational reporting, especially in the digital space, does more harm than good”.
While concluding his speech, Mr Bakare stressed the need for media practitioners to recommit themselves to the ideals of professionalism, objectivity, and national interest.
“The media, as the conscience of society, must continue to serve as the mirror that reflects truth and justice. Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to the ideals of professionality, objectivity, and national interest. With responsible journalism and constructive collaboration, Nigeria will not only evaporate, but also nurture a culture of transparency that the future generation will be proud of,” he concluded.
Dr Kunle Hamilton enlightening the participants on the Cybercrime Act 2024, the revised version of the original cybercrime act 2015
Contributing, Veteran Journalist, Dr Kunle Hamilton enjoined participants to be more self aware, self critical, self control and avoid cyber bullying in their content .
His words, “Being an online publisher has to be much more than survival, you have to be cautious of cybercrime, phishing, malware, hacking and ransomware (a type of malicious software that encrypt files or lock devices, a form of blackmailing demanding payment in exchange for decryption or access, a situation that can cause data loss or results in financial loss).
While admonishing the participants not to be a cyber space warrior who just creates content but reports to add value, Dr Hamilton concluded stating online media practitioners must endeavor to own news and not clone news.
Earlier, the President of the association, Mr Samson Oki, who was enthusiastic with the turnout of participants and key professionals, appreciated the presence of the attendees and expressed his gratitude for their support in making the event a memorable one.
The highlight of the event was the award given to the guests and certificates of participation to all attendees for their presence and contributions.
