Journalism is often described as the searchlight of society. It is supposed to shine on the truth—whether good or bad—and allow citizens to see clearly. But in today’s noisy media space, many practitioners forget this duty. Some focus only on the negative, some bend statistics to fit an agenda, and others rush to publish stories without verifying.
Let me share three examples to illustrate the problem.
Reno Omokri: When Statistics Become Storytelling
Reno Omokri is known for his spirited defense of his principal. He often uses figures and comparisons to strengthen his arguments. But sometimes, the numbers he presents don’t tally with official records.
For instance, in his recent commentary on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Reno claimed that the South-West and South-South account for 72% of VAT and 70% of GDP. Official data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suggest much lower figures.
This style of presentation gives the impression of advocacy rather than balanced journalism. To young journalists, the lesson is clear: facts must be cross-checked, and figures should not be stretched to fit a narrative.
Dan Bello: Skits Without the Other Side
Dan Bello produces short skits and videos on governance and corruption. His creativity and courage deserve recognition. But his style of reporting seems to highlight only the negative.
Take his reaction to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a video, he dismissed Buhari’s years in office in harsh terms, overlooking the fact that many Nigerians remember achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, and fiscal reforms. His portrayal came across as one-sided and unbalanced.
Criticism is part of journalism, but it must be accompanied by fairness and context. Otherwise, what could have been an important reflection risks sounding like personal judgment rather than professional reporting.
Sahara Reporters: When Speed Overtakes Accuracy
Sahara Reporters, founded by Omoyele Sowore, has gained a reputation for publishing hard-hitting stories. Some of these reports have exposed real scandals. But at times, the platform has published stories later found to be inaccurate.
A recent example was the report claiming Katsina State had approved stipends for Christian clerics. The government quickly denied the story. While corrections may follow, the first impression often sticks, leaving readers misinformed.
This approach has led critics to describe Sahara Reporters as prioritizing sensational headlines over verification. For aspiring journalists, the lesson is this: speed should never replace accuracy, especially in a diverse and fragile society.
Reno Omokri’s statistical spin, Dan Bello’s one-sided skits, and Sahara Reporters’ occasional unchecked stories point to a common challenge: journalism losing sight of its compass.
For young journalists and citizen reporters, three lessons stand out:
- Accuracy first: Check facts before publishing.
- Balance matters: Tell the whole story, not just one side.
- Fairness always: Avoid exaggeration and selective reporting.
Journalism is not about amplifying bias, fueling outrage, or entertaining at all costs. It is about informing society truthfully and responsibly. In the end, credibility is the journalist’s greatest asset—once it is lost, every story becomes suspect.