The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has rounded off its two day annual Conference put together for Security and Crime News Publishers in Lagos.
The event which commenced with a Walk against Drug Abuse, Cultism and Domestic Violence ended with a Human Capital Building Workshop. The Theme “The Role of Media Security Agencies in curbiing fake News, Cyber Threat and Sundry Security Challenges: Need to destroy the menace; before it destroys us”.one which is very relevant to our Society.
In his opening address the President of National Association of Online Security News Publishers Samson Oki emphasisied the role of the News Publishers in the Country and encouraged them to work in line with the objectives of the Association which is Truth, Equity and Fairness.
He went on to inform that no one knows it all and learning is a constant process especially learning more about the field in which one practices, making reference in this instance to ‘Journalism’.
Samson Oki reiterated that the essence of the Workshop was to correct some wrong practices amongst the News Publishers.
Stressing the fact that such gatherings will bring Security and Crime Writers together creating a fulcrum to deliberate,share experiences, correct mistakes and learn from each other..
He called on the Online Publishers to constantly strive to improve themselves and imbibe best practices.
Mr. Oki frowned against writing Fake and untrue stories which could incite the masses and affect society negatively. Wrong practices he said can lead to chaos and unrest
The Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, speaking to the Press said untrue stories make his work more difficult because instead of having to pursue progressive issues he has to first spend time and energy debunking the bad press.
Mrs Olabisi Sosonusi The Public Relations Officer of the Road Safety Corp, urged Publishers to alway ensure they cross check their reports before publishing to avoid fake news.
Speaking on Professionalism, Mr Oba Adeoye a Veteran Journalist and Consultant, emphasisied one of the common issues he noticed about Online Media Publications which is the ‘Copy and Paste Syndrome’ .
Adeoye however highlighted the qualities a good Reporter should possess stressing the fact the Media is not a “Bread and Butter industry” therefore should not be an all comers affair for want of what to do.
Commending NAOSNP and buttressing the Senior Consultant Oba Adeoye’s points, Dr.Mrs.Cynthia Gregg pleaded with the News Writers and Publishers to always strive to upgrade themselves on the job.
Attendees commended the Association and expressed that indeed they have learnt a thing or two by attending the Conference.