Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to urgently evolve measures to regulate social media to tackle misinformation and disinformation.
Otu made the call in a goodwill message at the opening of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Uyo.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, Otu said that social media had been misused to a large extent.
Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Ali M. Ali, at 2023 ANEC
The governor described mass media as indispensable for societal development.
“The media should indulge more in critical analysis of issues instead of merely praising policymakers
”We can see that the media holds a critical place in our national development; the media should be reliable and trustworthy,” he said.
The governor further urged the mass media to propagate ideas that would stimulate economic recovery.
”The economy of every nation has direct bearing on the well-being of the citizenry; so, a prosperous economy will definitely breed a prosperous citizenry,” he said.
Otu expressed worry at under investment in agriculture and small and medium scale enterprises.
”With adequate investment in agriculture, the level of poverty in the country will reduce.
Dignitaries at ANEC 2023
”We must be together in the bid to develop our nation. With the right policies, we will get it right,” he said.
The conference had the theme: “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media.
