Shun Bandwagonism, Be Socially Responsible - Oyo Police PPRO, Osifeso Enjoins Young Journalists

Journalists have been advised to shun bandwagonism, fake news and prioriotize their social responsibility role while reporting news information to their audience.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command, SP. Adewale Osifeso who made this plea while speaking at a virtual journalism webinar organized by the Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM), Department of Mas Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan on Friday maintained that habit of non - professional journalists to rush to the press is one of the problems of the profession. 

Osifeso who gave a brilliant presentation on the topic “National Security: The Role of Mass Media in a Postive Change” noted that misinformation is one of the biggest enemy that’s contributing to the increase of insecurity in the state and the nation entirely.

The versatile police spokesperson warned against peddling fake information in the drive to gain undeserving traffic adding that the media has the social role and responsibility to contribute to the growth of a crime free and developing Nation. 

Oyo PPRO decry the case of proliferation in mass media practitioners with little or no experience which he describes as a case watering down the integrity of the profession.

“Nigeria is a one big family and the media has a vital role to play too. The media should shun bandwagonism (publishing because others published). Be unique and consistent in your reporting.

“Misinformation is our enemy. It can ruin alot of things, it can ruin a nation. Journalist should shun sentiment in reportage and never jeopardize the credibility of the profession.

“Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo state chapter is our friend and we are aware they have reputable newsmen who report news with balance, fairness, and objectivity. The rise of untrained reporters parading themselves as journalists is alarming.” He says.

Speaking at the program, The Association President, Com. Kehinde Azeez appreciated SP. Osifeso for being present at the program.

Kehinde described Osifeso as one of a kind of policeman that is changing people’s orientation about the police force.

One of the hundreds of students present at the twitter space who could not keep his joy appreciate the PPRO for being a man of integrity and a man promoting the goodwill of the police.

The virtual program attended by over 300 students was hosted by Lanre Akintunde and Kehinde Ayanboade who doubles as the immediate President of the Department.