News Investigators/ The Editor-in-Chief (E-I-C) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu, has urged young journalists in the agency to uphold truth, responsibility and professionalism in their reportage.
Mrs Aliyu who gave the advice in an interview in Abuja, said that journalists must ensure that every story published by the agency accurately reflected what happened.
She cautioned young reporters against fabricating stories or publishing unverified information, saying NAN had built its reputation on truth and credibility.
”I want to encourage them to make sure that what they sell to us or what they write in their copies are actually the truth and nothing but the truth.
”Don’t go and concoct some stories and put in the portal and say that was what happened. No, we are not used to telling lies. If it is from NAN, then let be what actually happened,” she said.
The E-I-C advised young journalists to be truthful, dedicated and responsible, while also urging them to be prepared to take responsibility for every story they write.
She also admonished reporters to support their reports with evidence, such as videos or other verifiable materials where necessary.
”If you write a story, make sure you back it up, maybe with a video or something to hold on to, you need that proof at times.
”You have to have proof that it actually happened, so be truthful, be responsible, be the NAN that we want you to be in every situation, in every report, and in every event,” she added.
Mrs Mohammed-Aliyu also stressed the need for reporters to pay rapt attention during assignments.
According to her, journalists must pay close attention to properly understand and accurately report events.
She announced plans for continuous training and retraining of NAN staff to keep pace with developments in journalism and technology.
”Training is vital for refreshing journalists’ knowledge and equipping them with new skills, particularly in the rapidly changing digital environment.
”With new AI and new media, you need training, so there is a plan for training,” she said.
The editor-in-chief said the training could begin within the newsroom with experienced journalists mentoring younger colleagues through regular desk meetings and on-the-job guidance.
She said she had already encouraged senior journalists to use newsroom meetings as opportunities to teach and guide younger reporters.
”The older ones can train the younger ones on the desk, and on the job,” she said.
She added that both the younger and older journalists would benefit from formal training opportunities whenever they became available.
She emphasised that continuous capacity building was necessary to ensure that all staff remained abreast of contemporary issues, ideas and developments in the digital age.
She reiterated that continuous learning, mentorship and adherence to professional standards would strengthen the agency’s journalism and help sustain its credibility.
NAN
