Media Experts Call on Professionals to Combat Misinformation

Media Professionals Emphasize Critical Need to Combat Misinformation at MIIA Training

Media experts have issued an urgent call to action against the growing threat of misinformation during the recent Media Integrity Initiative Africa (MIIA) February 2026 Free Quarterly Online Training Programme. The two-day virtual event drew an impressive turnout of 181 media professionals, including 156 first-time participants and 25 returning attendees.

Dr. Tony Onyima, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers, delivered a compelling address highlighting the necessity of continuous learning in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. “In an era where information moves at the speed of light and technology reshapes our profession almost daily, standing still is no longer an option. Learning must become a habit, not an event,” Dr. Onyima emphasized.

The respected media veteran, who also served as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra State, cautioned that a professional’s mindset toward learning matters more than their titles or qualifications. “The most dangerous professional in the digital age is not the one who lacks experience, but the one who refuses to learn,” he warned.

Dr. Onyima outlined the expanded responsibilities facing modern journalists, noting they must now function as fact-checkers, data interpreters, digital publishers, community builders, and occasionally crisis managers. This multi-faceted role has become increasingly crucial as misinformation can circle the globe within minutes, potentially undermining years of hard-earned credibility with a single error.

“The digital age rewards those who keep learning and leaves behind those who stop,” Dr. Onyima added, underscoring the importance of ongoing professional development to maintain public trust in journalism.

The MIIA has established itself as a vital platform for media development across Africa, focused on strengthening ethical standards, fostering innovation, and promoting responsible journalism through its free quarterly online training initiatives. These programs aim to equip media professionals with the tools needed to navigate the complex challenges facing modern journalism.

The February session featured an impressive roster of facilitators and motivational speakers, including industry leaders with decades of combined experience. Azubuike Ishiekwene, Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-In-Chief at LEADERSHIP Media Group and former Editor/Executive Director at Punch Newspaper, shared insights drawn from his extensive career.

Other notable contributors included Richard Akinnola, veteran journalist and Executive Director at the Media Law Centre in Abuja; Lekan Otufodunrin, former Political Editor at Punch and Managing Editor at The Nation, who now leads the Media Career Development Network in Lagos; Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre in Lagos; and Michael Effiong James, Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

According to Femi Akintunde-Johnson, Coordinator of MIIA, the training represents part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing African media, particularly the proliferation of false information in the digital age. The initiative comes at a critical time when misinformation threatens to undermine public discourse and democratic institutions across the continent.

Media integrity has become increasingly vital as social media platforms and digital technologies have transformed how news is produced, distributed, and consumed. The training emphasizes not only technical skills but also the ethical responsibilities of media practitioners in verifying information before publication.

Industry experts note that such professional development initiatives are essential as newsrooms face resource constraints while tackling increasingly sophisticated misinformation campaigns. The MIIA’s commitment to offering free training helps ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent journalists from accessing crucial knowledge and skills development opportunities.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, platforms like the MIIA play an increasingly important role in safeguarding journalistic standards and promoting responsible reporting across Africa.