He warned that the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation continues to fuel tensions and undermine peaceful coexistence.

A file photo of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri. Source: @GovernorAUF

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has urged journalists and information officers to embrace responsible information management and peace-oriented journalism as essential tools for promoting social cohesion and sustainable development.

Fintiri made the call at a one-day media workshop on responsible information management held at Livak Signature Hotel in Yola.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Leader Leneke, the governor said media practitioners occupy a strategic position in society and must uphold professionalism by ensuring that information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced and thoroughly verified.

He warned that the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation continues to fuel tensions and undermine peaceful coexistence, urging journalists to avoid sensational reporting and instead adopt conflict-sensitive approaches that promote dialogue, tolerance and unity.

Fintiri also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the media through continuous engagement and capacity-building initiatives, expressing confidence that participants would apply the knowledge gained to strengthen professional practice and contribute to a more informed and peaceful society.

Earlier, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor and convener of the workshop, John Ngamsa, said the media plays a critical role in fostering unity, combating misinformation and strengthening social cohesion

He urged journalists and information managers to uphold ethical standards, verify information before publication and avoid reports capable of creating fear, tension or misunderstanding.

Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, encouraged media professionals to pursue continuous self-development and maintain high standards of professionalism.

He stressed the need for broadcasters to improve their communication skills, particularly in the use of the English language, and urged journalists to take advantage of online learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge, especially in reporting terrorism and other sensitive issues.

In a presentation, media and communication expert Charles Doke highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence in content creation, noting that while AI presents significant opportunities, it has also contributed to the spread of fake news and manipulated content.

He advised journalists and information officers to verify information before publication and adopt digital verification tools to distinguish authentic content from AI-generated misinformation.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the media in maintaining public order and safeguarding lives.

He urged journalists to rely on official sources when reporting security issues and avoid sensational headlines that could heighten public anxiety, noting that responsible reporting strengthens public confidence in security agencies and supports conflict prevention.

Speaking on media law, hate speech, libel, sedition and freedom of expression, legal practitioner Barrister Japhet Kanadi Gajere reminded participants that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the right must be exercised within the bounds of the law.

He urged media professionals to uphold ethical standards, respect the rights and dignity of individuals, and ensure their reports are accurate, balanced and in the public interest.

The workshop brought together communication experts, journalists and public information officers to explore strategies for promoting peace, security and social cohesion through responsible information management. It also featured an interactive panel discussion on media ethics, responsible reporting and the role of effective communication in building a peaceful and informed society.