‘Call them citizen communicators, not journalists’ — Ray Ekpu advocates credible journalism

By Barakat Lawal, Iman Aiyeola and Akemini Udoh

Ray Ekpu, veteran Nigerian journalist and co-founder of Newswatch, has urged the public to distinguish between trained journalists and online content creators, insisting that the latter should be described as “citizen communicators”.

Ekpu spoke on Friday, April 30, at a tribute session for Yakubu Muhammed, organised by Newswatch in collaboration with the Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation (OJAF) at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

Speaking on journalism in the digital age, Ekpu said the rise of social media has created a new class of information actors who amplify news but lack the structure and discipline of professional journalism.

He said that while these individuals have expanded access to information, they also contribute to misinformation.

“One man sitting on a computer and saying, ‘breaking news, breaking news,’ ‘where no news is breaking?’ That is not journalism,” he said.

“Journalism is not a one-man job. It is a multiple-person orchestra with checks and balances.”

Ekpu said ordinary citizens now act as “megaphones”, turning the world into a global village, but warned that speed without verification poses serious risks.

The doyen of journalism cited false reports of the deaths of prominent Nigerians, including Wole Soyinka and Olusegun Obasanjo, as examples of the dangers of unverified information.

He said citizen communication has come to stay, but must not be confused with professional journalism.

A COLLABORATION BETWEEN CITIZENS AND TRAINED JOURNALISTS

Ekpu, however, called for collaboration between both groups to improve the quality of information in the public space.

“My prescription is that there must be a wedding, a marriage of convenience, between credible journalism and citizen communication,” he said.

“That wedding must produce two children: credibility and speed.”

“If you combine speed and credibility, that will be great journalism.”

Ekpu also paid tribute to Yakubu Muhammed, describing him as a “reporter’s reporter” who valued facts, clarity, and truth.

Olori Janet Afolabi said the event was organised in recognition of Yakubu’s support for the foundation before his death, adding that it is part of efforts to preserve the legacy of Newswatch founders.

Family members also remembered him as a compassionate man and a principled Muslim.

Asmau Muhammed, his daughter, said his values continue to shape the lives he touched.

“He is a kind and gentle man. He is always ready to help and show up for others,” she said.

The event drew media professionals, academics, traditional rulers and family members.

Among those present were Tola Adeniyi, the pioneer president of the Nigerian League of Columnists and Anthony Kila, its secretary-general.

Also in attendance were Prof Sunday Oloruntola, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos; Prof Tayo Popoola, head of the Department of Mass Communication, UNILAG; and Taiwo Obe, founder of The Journalism Clinic.

Traditional rulers, including the Olota of Ota and the Alapomu of Apomu, also graced the occasion.