NOA DG Urges Ethical Digital Journalism at ACOE 2025 Investiture
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called for stricter adherence to ethics, accuracy and responsibility within Nigeria’s digital media space, describing credible online journalism as a crucial pillar of national development.
Issa-Onilu stated this in a goodwill message delivered at the 2025 Investiture, Public Lecture & Awards of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), held on Tuesday at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
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Represented by NOA’s Director of Media and Communications, Alhaji Bala Musa, the DG commended ACOE for its efforts in shaping public discourse and improving the credibility of online journalism, noting that the event’s theme, “Strengthening Corporate Online Media for National Development,” reflects the urgent need for responsibility in a media environment driven by speed and digital influence.
According to him, digital media has become “the heartbeat of public communication,” serving as the main arena where national conversations unfold and public opinion is formed.
He warned that while online platforms offer vast opportunities for civic engagement, they also demand heightened responsibility from practitioners.
Issa-Onilu referenced the Federal Government’s National Values Charter approved in September 2024 as a key framework guiding ethical conduct and responsible digital behaviour among citizens and institutions.
He added that NOA is upgrading its communication systems and public explainer materials to improve clarity, transparency and trust in official information.
He reiterated the Agency’s readiness to deepen collaboration with credible corporate online media bodies, including ACOE, to combat misinformation and enhance editorial standards across the digital landscape.
At the event, ACOE conferred an Exceptional Leadership Award on Issa-Onilu in recognition of his contributions to responsible communication, media ethics and national orientation.
The NOA DG congratulated ACOE’s leadership, organisers, awardees and members, urging them to remain committed to truth, unity and national values in their day-to-day reporting.
