The Nigerian Press Council has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian Copyright Commission in combating online piracy.
The Executive Secretary of NPC, Dili Ezughah, made this known during a seminar organized by the NCC for journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr. Ezughah stated that the collaboration with NCC would significantly reduce instances of online piracy. He emphasized the council’s role in regulating print media activities and ensuring that journalists uphold ethical standards.
He also noted that the rise of online media has allowed untrained individuals, simply by owning an Android phone, to publish information that could potentially create serious issues in the country.
The NPC head revealed that the council is developing a pre-fact-checking application designed to monitor online content.
“The pre-fact checker will be able to identify that this thing an individual is doing is not correct. It is misinformation and disinformation, and then it stops the disinformation from going public. We want to stem the tide of this misinformation, fake news, disinformation and other things,” he explained.
Mr. Ezughah added that NPC plans to broaden its mandate.
“We have prepared a bill, an amendment to the existing bill, to ensure that the Press Council covers the electronic media. Electronic media, where we hope that the pre-fact checker app that we are presently working on will be of great use and importance to the country. I want to assure the NCC DG that NPC will partner with the commission to fight against online piracy,” he assured.
Jahman Anikulapo, an art and culture advocate and experienced journalist, highlighted the media’s responsibility to inform and educate the public. He emphasized that journalists should use their platforms to enlighten and empower society.
According to Anikulapo, when journalists are well-equipped, they can fully realize their potential. He urged reporters to view themselves as advocates, not just conveyors of news.
“As a cultural reporter, you must be an advocate who will engage the public and the creative sector you are covering, as you belong to the ecosystem. We should be observant to see copyright abusers and advocate for it. Copyright is somebody’s work; infringement is stealing. We have to advocate on it and partner with NCC to ensure that people’s work is not infringed,” he said.
