Nwosu Urges Publishers To Avoid Disseminating Misinformation
Media professionals, particularly newspaper proprietors, have been advised to prevent the dissemination of false information.
Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, a former Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Urban Planning in Imo State, gave this counsel during the 14th anniversary celebration of the Imo Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) in Owerri, the capital of Imo State on Thursday November 27, 2025.
Ugwumba Nwosu, who also served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Rochas Okorocha, recounted his experience as a victim of fake news during his tenure with the state.
He recalled how a newspaper falsely reported that his cook absconded with millions from his closet, a claim that left him astonished.
Nwosu questioned the plausibility of storing such substantial sums in his closet and even consulted his wife regarding the existence of such funds in their home.
The former commissioner consequently encouraged INPA members to refrain from producing and disseminating sensational reports.
In his keynote address on the theme “Diverse Financing Options for Capacity Building in the Print Media,” Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie, a prominent figure in the banking and financial sector, highlighted the emergence of smartphones as a significant challenge for newspapers.
He noted that before newspapers reach the stands, multiple versions of their stories have already been consumed via smartphones.
This trend diminishes circulation and reduces advertising in printed versions, as brands redirect their budgets to social media and search engines, he said.
The Executive Director of Fidelity Bank Plc observed that newspapers like the New York Times have successfully adapted to this change, now generating more revenue from digital subscriptions than print copies.
He recommended that INPA members establish collaborative frameworks that maintain editorial competition while sharing the business burden.
Dr. Ejike Lucky Chukwu, the Chairman of the occasion and CEO of Megadrill Oil and Gas Limited, lamented the lack of respect accorded to the media in this region.
He emphasized that people’s knowledge is primarily derived from newspapers and electronic media.
He expressed his satisfaction in being invited to chair the event and to encourage dignitaries to support the media.
The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians and the launch of the association’s N200 million Media Resource Centre.
Award recipients included Governor Hope Uzodimma, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, Dr. Ejike Chukwu, Ezinwa Stanley Amuchie, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu (Omeogo), Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Dr. Alex Mbata, and Dr. Chijioke Kaduru.
