Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, has called on media organisations and journalists to prioritise credibility and ethical journalism amid the growing influence of digital media and the race for online traffic.
Speaking at the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Award 2026 held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Emporium Reporters and Emporium Magazine, Ike described the milestone as a remarkable achievement in Nigeria’s challenging media environment.
She commended the Publisher and Founder of Emporium Reporters for sustaining the platform for a decade, describing the feat as a demonstration of resilience, vision, and commitment to professional journalism.
According to her, maintaining a credible media organisation for ten years goes beyond business success and reflects faith in journalism, the Nigerian people, and the importance of truth in society.
Addressing the theme of the lecture, “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigeria’s Democracy,” Ike warned against the growing trend of prioritising speed over accuracy in news reporting.
She noted that the digital age has created an environment where misinformation can spread rapidly, stressing that credibility remains the foundation of public trust and democratic governance.
“In an era where the speed of information often outpaces its accuracy, credibility is not negotiable. It is the foundation upon which public trust is built and democracy is sustained,” she said.
The NUJ FCT chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism, press freedom, journalists’ welfare, and professional standards, describing the council as a guardian of journalism ethics and accountability.
She also called on governments, corporate organisations, and civil society groups to support credible media institutions through partnerships, advertising, and funding for investigative journalism, noting that a healthy media ecosystem is essential for sustaining democracy.
Congratulating recipients of the awards presented at the event, Ike urged them to view the recognition as a responsibility to continue demonstrating excellence, courage, and integrity in their work.
She further encouraged young journalists and media practitioners to uphold professionalism and protect their reputations, describing journalism as one of the most important pillars of democracy.
Ike concluded by congratulating Emporium Reporters and Emporium Magazine on their 10th anniversary and expressed optimism that the organisation would achieve greater impact in the years ahead.
