Emporium Magazine @10: Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Rise of Untrained Media Operators, Call For Ethical Journalism
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) Stakeholders in the Nigerian media industry have expressed concern over the growing influence of untrained individuals in journalism, warning that the increasing dominance of social media influencers and bloggers in media-related roles around political office holders poses serious challenges to professionalism, credibility, and democratic accountability.
The concerns were raised on Thursday, Jume 25, at the Emporium Leadership Lecture and Awards 2026, held in Abuja to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Emporium Magazine and Emporium Reporters Online.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “From Clicks to Credibility: Digital Media’s Role in Deepening Nigerian Democracy,” Publisher of World Entourage Magazine, Abdullahi Haruna, lamented the gradual displacement of professionally trained journalists by individuals lacking formal journalism education and ethical grounding.
According to him, many media aides serving political leaders today are social media influencers and bloggers who often prioritise online engagement and visibility over the fundamental principles of journalism such as accuracy, verification, fairness, and public accountability.
Haruna stressed that while digital platforms have broadened access to information and enhanced civic participation, the profession must guard against the erosion of ethical standards that sustain public trust in the media.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Hajiya Fatimah Mohammed Agwai reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting democratic values, responsible communication, human rights advocacy, and sustainable national development.
She described a vibrant, independent and responsible media as indispensable to democracy, noting that journalists serve as voices for the voiceless, promote accountability, and encourage respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Agwai congratulated the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Emporium Magazine, Lukman Olaleye-Babalola, for sustaining the publication for a decade and for using journalism as a platform to celebrate excellence and advance informed public discourse.
In his welcome address, Editor-in-Chief of Emporium Magazine, Lukman Olaleye-Babalola, described the anniversary as a celebration of ten years of purposeful journalism, public engagement, and commitment to promoting accountability and national development.
He noted that digital media has significantly transformed citizens’ access to information and participation in democratic processes but warned that misinformation, disinformation, declining public trust, and misuse of online platforms remain pressing challenges.
Olaleye-Babalola emphasised that media practitioners must continue to uphold truth, fairness, professionalism, and ethical standards to strengthen democratic institutions and support sustainable development.
Speaking at the event also, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace commended Olaleye-Babalola’s resilience in building a credible media brand despite the harsh operating environment confronting media organisations in Nigeria.
He observed that journalism is increasingly threatened by misinformation and deliberate falsehoods, stressing that professional journalists distinguish themselves by providing context, depth, and accuracy in reporting.
The VON boss also urged journalists to avoid profiling criminal suspects along religious or ethnic lines, insisting that ethical journalism requires fairness, objectivity, and sensitivity to national cohesion.
He further called for balanced reporting on security issues, noting that while the media must hold institutions accountable, it should also acknowledge the sacrifices of security personnel working to safeguard the nation.
Also, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, in her goodwill message, congratulated Emporium Magazine for attaining the milestone of ten years of consistent and credible journalism.
She described credibility as the foundation upon which democracy thrives and urged media practitioners to continue choosing truth over traffic, accountability over popularity, and public interest over sensationalism.
Grace Ike noted that journalists remain critical partners in nation-building and commended Emporium Magazine for recognising outstanding individuals whose contributions continue to promote peace, good governance, and national development.
The event featured the presentation of the Emporium Media Awards to distinguished personalities and institutions for their exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation, and contributions to society, alongside the unveiling of the magazine’s commemorative 10th anniversary edition.
Participants unanimously agreed that preserving the integrity of journalism in the digital age requires renewed commitment to professional ethics, media literacy, and support for trained practitioners capable of sustaining credible and democratic discourse in Nigeria.
