Media Professionals Convene in Abuja to Promote Journalism Trust Initiative Standards

Media professionals gathered in Abuja on Friday for a one-day awareness workshop focused on promoting professional standards in journalism and fostering a healthier digital media environment.
The workshop, centered on the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) Standard, CWA 17493, was organized by the Journalism Trust Initiative and Reporters Without Borders in collaboration with the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NENAS).

The event brought together journalists, media executives, and regulators to discuss adopting the JTI standard, a globally recognized framework designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in media organizations.
Participants explored how the standard could combat misinformation and rebuild public trust in the media.
Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of adopting international standards to address challenges posed by misinformation and the growing distrust in journalism.
The Regional Manager, Africa Journalism Trust Initiative, Marc Aboflan
noted that threats to journalism are no longer confined to physical attacks but extend to digital platforms, which undermine journalism as a profession.

“There are standards in industries like health and beauty, but until now, the media industry lacked such a formal benchmark,” the representative said. “The Journalism Trust Initiative standard fills this gap by providing a framework that promotes credible journalism through accountability and quality assurance.”
The Chief Executive Officer of NENAS, Mr celestine okanya
NENAS underscored the role of accreditation in upholding professional integrity.
He highlighted how aligning media practices with international standards can enhance transparency and accountability while boosting public confidence in news organizations.

“The JTI standard is an opportunity for media houses to align with global best practices while addressing local challenges in Nigeria,” the representative said.
Interactive sessions allowed participants to discuss how the JTI standard could be tailored to Nigeria’s unique media landscape.
Local media professionals shared experiences from their editorial processes, demonstrating how applying the standard could improve transparency, counter disinformation, and serve the overriding public interest.

“We must serve society by presenting news that is fair, transparent, and accountable,” a participant noted.
“Our role as journalists is to analyze policies and ensure the public good is upheld, while respecting diverse opinions.”
The collaboration between the Journalism Trust Initiative, Reporters Without Borders, and NENAS showed a shared commitment to strengthening journalism as a pillar of democracy.
Attendees left the workshop with a renewed resolve to implement the JTI standard within their organizations, recognizing its potential to enhancing professionalism and rebuild trust in journalism.

The workshop reaffirmed the Journalism Trust Initiative’s mission to reshaping the media landscape for the better, promoting responsible reporting and supporting a more trustworthy news ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reorganized the presidency’s media and communications team in a move aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of government communication.

The presidency, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, announced that Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Onanuga himself would now serve as joint spokespersons for the administration.

The restructuring involves new designations for key officials within the communications team. Sunday Dare, previously Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, has been reassigned as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Daniel Bwala, appointed last week as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser on Policy Communications. Bayo Onanuga retains his role as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency,” the statement read.

The collaborative approach is designed to ensure more consistent and effective communication of government policies and decisions to the public.
According to the presidency, the team will collectively manage the dissemination of information to foster greater transparency and alignment with the administration’s priorities.

This reorganization underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to a more cohesive media strategy that reflects the diverse needs of the public and the complexities of modern governance.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sent a message of congratulations to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper on its 75th anniversary.
The Governor praised the newspaper’s leadership in shaping public discourse and upholding accountability through its dedication to truth, transparency, and responsible journalism.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement on Saturday quoted Ododo in a message that commended the Nigerian Tribune’s legacy, acknowledging its role in fostering responsible journalism that has earned it the trust and loyalty of readers across Nigeria.
“The Tribune has consistently upheld fact-based reporting, balance, and objectivity, even amidst the challenges of misinformation in today’s media landscape,” he said.

Reaffirming the essential role of a free press in maintaining democracy, Governor Ododo recognized Nigerian Tribune’s efforts to support the rule of law and responsible governance.
He expressed optimism that the milestone would inspire the newspaper to continue its commitment to journalistic integrity, essential for a stable and enduring democracy in Nigeria.

Founded on November 16, 1949, by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Hannah Dideolu, the Nigerian Tribune has built a legacy as one of Nigeria’s pioneering media institutions, contributing significantly to the nation’s democratic growth.