Members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm have been charged to ensure that the content of their reports as journalists, does not become the subject of scandal, contempt or conflict but issues that prioritises peace and mutual edification.
This admonition was given by Pastor Pious Idume, while delivering a paper at the United Nations designated World Press Freedom Day 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Rivers State Council, in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Pastor Pious Idume, who is the Rivers State (Central) Overseer and Coordinating Overseer, South – South of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, while speaking as the Guest Speaker in the event, on the theme: Fact Checking As A Tool For Peace Building said that fact – checking is the careful process of making diligent inquisition to determine the validity and accuracy of a statement or information before circulating it.
Pastor Idume said, journalists as craftsmen, should be deliberate to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another,” to build a peaceful society.
He averred that the stories “we publish should be pungent, piercing, persuasive, prompting and propelling people to act positively”.
The cleric also noted that the purpose of fact – checking is to avoid indulging in what God hates.
He said the profits of fact – checking prevents conflict and exposes falsehood but fosters harmonious relationship, peace, trust and mutual respect, which makes journalism a responsible profession.
Pastor Pious Idume far right, seated to his right, his wife Sister Chidiebere Idume and other dignitaries at the high table, during the World Press Freedom Day 2026
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Honourable Ogbonnia Nwuke, a seasoned journalist and former Commissioner of Information and Communication in Rivers State, said the journalist should also fact – check and balance their stories by reporting the views of all sides of the story.
The Key Note Speaker, Professor Christopher Ochonogor,, in his speech said Reporters should embrace developmental journalism, with the view to promoting peace and goodwill in the society.
Professor Ochonogor noted that to avoid undue external influence in the facts of a diligently investigated report, the journalist must publish the story immediately after gathering the views of all proponents.
