Abayomi Susan
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) empowered media practitioners with a dedicated capacity-building workshop. The event, a highlight of NAOSNP’s 2025 Week, was held on October 16 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja.
The workshop, themed “Securing and Safeguarding Journalists’ Freedom: How To Avoid The Pitfalls of Cybercrime,” brought together media professionals vital to shaping public opinion and ensuring societal accountability.
The keynote address was delivered by the Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Adebisi Adebola, representing the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. In it, he commended the organizers, stating the initiative builds professional capacity while strengthening public trust and national stability. CSP Hundeyin emphasized the workshop’s timeliness as the nation grapples with the complex interplay between media, security reporting, and the laws governing online platforms. He stated that the media’s power to inform, educate, and shape society comes with an equally significant responsibility.
We live in an era where social media allows information to move at lightning speed, making it dangerously easy for truth to be obscured. Tools like fake news, sensationalized reporting, and unchecked content have the power to provoke panic, corrupt decision-making, and put lives at direct risk. While he firmly acknowledged that a free press is a fundamental right and pillar of democracy, he insisted that this freedom is not absolute and is bounded by both ethical codes and the rule of law.
He highlighted the updated Cyber Crimes Prevention Act (amended in 2024) as a critical step toward responsible digital communication, addressing modern threats like online falsehoods and identity theft. Crucially, he stated, the law underscores a fundamental principle: ‘freedom without responsibility can be destructive. He specifically called for heightened professionalism in security reporting, noting that every conflict-related story has real-world consequences for victims, investigations, and public confidence. His concluding advice was a firm directive for all practitioners to prioritize verification, especially on sensitive security issues, before going to press.”
The Force Public Relations Officer further stated that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to fostering transparency, public trust, and engagement through open communication with both the media and citizens. He emphasized, “We value our partnerships and regard the media as essential stakeholders in our shared mission to build a safer Nigeria. The theme of this workshop, ‘How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Cyber Crime,’ is exceptionally timely. My advice to media practitioners is straightforward: verify your information before publishing, be conscious of your digital footprint, and stay updated on the laws governing online behavior.”
“Do not sacrifice accuracy for the sake of speed in reporting. There is no victory in being first with a story that is false. Accuracy is the bedrock of credibility, and credibility is the lifeblood of lasting press freedom. This workshop symbolizes the essential partnership between the media and security agencies. By working together, we can cultivate a society where a vibrant press and strong accountability go hand-in-hand, ensuring that every story serves the greater good of peace and unity.”
Adding to the discourse, Oluwadamilola Jaiyeola of the FRSC Lagos State Sector Command stated that freedom of speech is a constitutional right. However, she warned that ‘freedom without responsibility is vulnerability, and vulnerability can cost credibility.’ In light of this, she emphasized the non-negotiable need for journalists to verify information before it is released to the public.
“The digital frontier has moved journalism from the newsroom to the smartphone. Today’s journalists are not just reporters—they are essential content creators, digital watchdogs, and gatekeepers of truth. With this wider platform comes deeper influence and greater responsibility. Let us collectively commit to protecting the truth while safeguarding ourselves. We must embrace a freedom tempered by responsibility, ensuring our voices are guided by wisdom, ethics, and safety. The future of journalism will be defined by those who tell stories not merely compellingly, but responsibly and with integrity.”
ICPC Director Mr. Demola Bakare reframed the concept of corruption in his address, stating it goes beyond money. He revealed that 60% of cases involve non-financial forms like abuse of office or conflict of interest. He clarified that using one’s position to gain favors or benefits is a form of corruption, whether classified as abuse of office or a conflict of interest. “Therefore,’ he affirmed, ‘the media is more than a passive observer; it is an active stakeholder in building the nation.”
He emphasized that while journalists have a duty to expose the corruption that threatens national progress, this must be pursued with rigorous accuracy and fairness. “In the digital age,” he warned, “sensational or unverified reporting does more damage than good.”
In his conclusion, Mr. Bakare called for a renewed commitment to professional ethics. “As the conscience of society, the media must be a mirror of truth and justice. By embracing responsible journalism and constructive partnerships, we can help Nigeria eradicate corruption and build a lasting legacy of transparency for future generations.”
In his contribution, veteran journalist Dr. Kunle Hamilton advised participants to cultivate greater self-awareness, self-critique, and self-control, explicitly warning against cyberbullying in their content.
He elaborated on the responsibilities of an online publisher, stating, “It has to be much more than survival. You must be cautious of cybercrime threats such as phishing, malware, hacking, and ransomware.” He defined ransomware as a malicious form of blackmail that encrypts files or locks devices, demanding payment and potentially causing significant data or financial damage.
Dr. Hamilton further admonished journalists to add value through their reporting rather than merely acting as “cyber warriors” who create content. He concluded with a clear directive: practitioners must “endeavor to own news and not clone news.”
The session began with an address from the NAOSNP President, Mr. Oki Samson, who expressed his gratitude for the impressive professional turnout and the attendees’ role in the event’s success.
