South East breaking News
The National Orientation Agency Abia State Director,Mrs Regina Iroha and other stakeholders have on Thursday decried the use of hate speech and spread of fake news, disinformation and misinformation by some people , describing it as menace to the development and progress of any society.
Speaking during a One-Day sensitization programme for Women and Youths in Abia Central Senatorial District on a theme ,”Building a people of peace: Focusing on Misinformation, Disinformation,Fake news and Hate speech to Foster Growth and sustainable Development” the State Director said the use hate speech ,fake news, disinformation has become a menace in the society, added that something needs to be done to address the ugly development.
She disclosed that part of the mandate of National Orientation Agency is to help tackle Fake news and Hate speech and urged those involved in them to refrain from doing those things that will deny the society peaceful co-existence and security.
Interacting with Newsmen shortly after the event,the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Abia State Secretary,Rev.Blessed Amalambu described the program as well-organized and the topic very apt,added that where there is no peace,there will be no progress and growth, said with the kind of enlightenment and lectures being organized by National Orientation Agency,”We will curtail the spread of Fake news,Hate speech and misinformation.
In his speech, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari who was represented by Mrs Clara Nwachukwu, decried that Nigeria is facing challenges that needs to be addressed through patriotism.
Garba, who promised that the Agency would continue to package comprehensive programmes that will create enabling environment for development, peaceful coexistence and security, challenged media organizations to always vet their stories properly before going on air, even as he encouraged every individual to endeavour to accommodate one another for peace to reign.
In hiscontribution ,the Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu who was represented by Mrs Peace Eme noted that the government will always encourage patriotism as fake News and hate speech will not be accommodated in the present administration and called on youths to engage in activities that will promote peace and stability.
In their remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, HRM Eze Amb. Stephen Emejuaiwe pointed out that,” If we have correct information and do the right things,we will not have any reason to go to war.
” Again,if government does what is appropriate by creating jobs for the youths,the number of hoodlums in the society will reduce.
“So if we as a country learn to live with each other,there will not be hate speech,let us be good to one and another ” he advised.