Katsina Hajj Board Boss Warns Media Against Fake News, Urges Responsible Reporting
By Auwal Ahmad
The Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, has urged journalists and media organisations to uphold truth and professionalism by avoiding the spread of false or unverified information.
Mr Dankama said the media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion and informing society, warning that inaccurate reporting can mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion, especially on sensitive issues.
He said at a time when information travels rapidly across digital and conventional media platforms, journalists must be more deliberate, cautious and committed to facts in order to protect public trust.
According to him, the responsibility placed on the media goes beyond merely breaking stories, as every report has the potential to shape perception, influence decisions and affect the image of institutions and individuals.
Speaking on the responsibility of the press, he stressed that journalists must remain committed to facts, accuracy and credibility in their reports.
“My message to the media is to always provide reliable information. Avoid fake or unverified news. Your voice goes very far,” he said.
He noted that once misleading information is pushed into the public domain, the damage is often done before any correction can be made.
“If you give wrong information, before you correct it, the world has already been misled,” he added.
READ ALSO:
The Katsina pilgrims board chief described the media as a vital channel for public communication and enlightenment, saying the profession must be guided by ethics and a strong sense of responsibility.
According to him, the importance of accurate reporting cannot be overstated, particularly on issues that concern public welfare, religion and governance, where misinformation can easily trigger misunderstanding and anxiety.
“The media is a very important tool for passing information. They should try as much as possible to share accurate and reliable news, not fake news,” he said.
Mr Dankama said responsible journalism remains essential in promoting public trust and helping citizens make informed decisions based on facts rather than speculation or rumours.
He added that the media must see itself not only as a conveyor of information but also as a key partner in national development, peacebuilding and public enlightenment.
He further observed that in an era where social media has made it easier for unverified information to circulate widely, professional journalists must stand out as defenders of truth and accountability.
He said adherence to ethical standards, proper fact-checking and balanced reporting would go a long way in preserving the integrity of journalism and preventing avoidable misinformation.
Mr Dankama’s remarks come amid increasing concern over the spread of misinformation in both traditional and online spaces, a trend that continues to pose challenges to public institutions and governance.
His appeal underscores the need for stronger ethical standards in journalism and greater caution in the dissemination of information to the public.
For stakeholders in the Hajj sector and beyond, the call serves as a timely reminder that access to credible information is crucial in ensuring transparency, public confidence and smooth coordination of activities.
The appeal also reinforces the broader expectation that the media should remain a trusted watchdog of society, committed to truth, fairness and the public interest at all times.
