Nigerian Press Council Holds Regional Workshop at UNILAG

By Kolawole Ahmed, Iman Aiyeola, Testimony Olalekan, Peace Chenube

The Nigerian Press Council (NPC), led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Dili Ezughah, held its 2025 Annual Regional Workshop on Thursday, September 5, at the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Themed “Public Trust and Ethical Journalism in the Digital Age,” the workshop was well attended by UNILAG students, key NPC members, and journalists from various media organisations.

The event featured an interactive session with a five-member panel comprising Dr. Ezughah; Olunifesi Suraj, Associate Professor of Strategic Communication; Mrs. Ngozi Ikeyi, NPC Legal Director; Mr. Dan Ede, Director of Research; and Mrs. Azuka Odidika, Director/HOD, Lagos Liaison Office.

Dr. Eugenia Ndukwe, Managing Director of the XEM Group, addressed the participants, followed by a welcome speech from Dr. Ezughah. The event also featured lectures from Prof. Suraj and Mr. Richard Mammah, Consulting Editor at Business Hallmark.

Titled “Embracing Fact-Checking to Enhance Public Trust,” Prof. Suraj’s lecture focused on the evolving importance of fact-checking in today’s digital world. He emphasised that fact-checking must be cultivated in journalism to build public trust and media credibility.

Speaking with UNILAG Sun on the major challenges in contemporary media space, Prof. Suraj highlighted fake news and misinformation. “People share news without thinking. They click unwisely and share unprofessionally. And that is the threat,” he said.

In his lecture titled “The Media as a Mass Educator,” Mr. Mammah explained the media’s role as an authoritative and credible source of information in society. He encouraged aspiring journalists to cultivate a habit of reading and staying updated on developments in their environment.

Similarly, speaking with UNILAG Sun, Dr. Ezughah explained that the role of the NPC is to serve as a guide to journalists aspiring towards professionalism. “Regulation is not punitive. It is education for partnership,” he said. “Just like parents regulate their children’s screen time or friendships, we regulate so that journalists can become the best versions of themselves,” he added.

Dr. Ezughah also mentioned that the workshop had earlier been held in the North Central region, with plans to extend it to the North East, South East, and South South.

Established in 1992, the Nigerian Press Council is a statutory body that promotes professionalism, monitors media activities, protects journalists’ rights, and defends press freedom.

The workshop highlights NPC’s efforts towards ensuring professionalism in journalism as a means to gain and maintain public trust.