Orientation Agency raises fresh alarm over fake news, hate speech
By Ibrahim Umar
Kanempress News
8th July 2024
The National Orientation Agency in Nigeria (NOA) has again identified spread of fake news and hate speech as major threats to peace and progress.
The agency lamented that many consumers of news in the country did not verify them before accepting or disseminating them.
It said such ugly trends could spark rancour in the grassroots and the society at large.
The Director, NOA in Abia State, Mrs Regina Iroha said this when she led her management team on a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Ovukwu Abam autonomous community in Arochukwu LGA, Eze Sunday Kalu Okpi.
Mrs Iroha said that the agency was a major bridge between the Federal government and citizens.
She urged every community to seek and maintain peace and avoid every form of misinformation which retards development.
Mrs Iroha informed the traditional ruler and his cabinet that the Orientation agency had been visiting major stakeholders, sending the message of building a people of peace.
She urged citizens to constantly verify every information or fact-check the content of any news story, which could be misleading to avoid strife and rancor in the society.
In his response, the traditional ruler of Ovukwu Abam autonomous community, His Royal Highness Eze Sunday Kalu Okpi commended the pivotal role of the Orientation agency in bringing the government closer to the citizens, especially those in the hinterlands.
He lamented the negative effects of fake news and hate speech, and promised to further sensitize his subjects about the consequences.
