By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr. Brendan Usoro, with the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity Award in recognition of his commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and business development.
Usoro received the award on Wednesday at the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigerian Media Space, held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The summit, organised by the Nigerian Press Council under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, brought together media practitioners, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, security agencies and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating misinformation and strengthening responsible journalism.
Speaking at the event, Usoro warned that fake news and misinformation had become serious threats to national security, democratic stability, business confidence and peaceful coexistence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
He expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and produce misleading reports, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from deliberate falsehoods.
According to him, the misuse of AI for disinformation requires a coordinated response involving government institutions, media organisations, technology companies and citizens.
Usoro observed that misinformation had extended beyond political campaigns and electoral activities to become a tool for damaging reputations, undermining businesses and creating unnecessary tension in society.
“People use false information to de-market their political opponents, competitors’ products and services, as well as create tension in the polity,” he said.
He warned that the consequences could include the erosion of public trust, escalation of ethnic and religious tensions, and manipulation of citizens’ democratic choices.
The Miden Systems chairman also raised concerns about the potential impact of deepfake technology and coordinated online disinformation campaigns on public confidence in political leaders and democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
On the business implications of misinformation, Usoro alleged that Miden Systems Limited and its executives had experienced the damaging effects of false information following a financial dispute with a commercial bank.
He said the experience highlighted the potential consequences of misinformation for corporate reputation and business operations.
To address the challenge, Usoro urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, particularly sensational messages, photographs and videos circulated on social media.
He recommended the use of independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, to establish the authenticity of reports before dissemination.
He also called for improved training for journalists and fact-checkers, alongside greater access to AI-assisted verification tools to help identify and debunk false information more quickly.
Usoro further urged technology companies and relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen collaboration against malicious synthetic media.
He, however, stressed that efforts to combat misinformation must not undermine press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.
Speaking on the company’s operations, Usoro said Miden Systems Limited was established in 1997 and had evolved from providing safety and equipment maintenance services into a diversified business offering marine services, logistics, offshore and onshore facility upgrades, maintenance and management.
He said the company had expanded its operations to undertake major term contracts in the oil and gas industry, providing services to organisations including the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Renaissance Africa Energy Company, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG Limited, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Port Harcourt Refinery Company, Addax Petroleum and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
According to him, the company’s growth has been driven by its commitment to service delivery and the maintenance of long-standing relationships with clients.
Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Press Council for the recognition, Usoro said the award reflected the values underpinning the company’s operations.
He reaffirmed Miden Systems Limited’s commitment to ethical conduct, transparency and integrity in its business dealings in Nigeria and internationally.
“We remain committed to ethical, honest and transparent business transactions at all levels of our operations,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the summit was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem, promote responsible journalism and improve the capacity of media professionals to combat misinformation.
Ezughah said the initiative was particularly important as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, warning that fake news, propaganda and misinformation could undermine democratic processes if left unchecked.
He explained that the summit provided a platform for media practitioners, policymakers, lawmakers, corporate organisations, civil society groups, security agencies and development partners to examine the challenges posed by misinformation and develop practical solutions.
He added that the award ceremony was intended to recognise outstanding contributions to ethical journalism, media leadership, corporate governance and responsible business practices.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Intelligence, Musa Likita, described fake news and misinformation as serious threats to national security, democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.
Musa noted that the rapid spread of information through traditional media, digital platforms and social networks had expanded opportunities for public participation and accountability but had also created avenues for manipulating public opinion, inciting hostility and spreading falsehoods.
He warned that fabricated reports, manipulated photographs, deceptive audio recordings and misleading videos could trigger confusion, provoke violence and weaken public confidence in legitimate institutions.
The minister called on media organisations, government institutions and citizens to work together to curb the spread of false information.
Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Haruna Suleiman, emphasised the importance of timely, accurate and transparent public communication in preventing speculation and countering false narratives.
Idris urged media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify information sources and promptly correct errors.
He also called on technology companies to address the misuse of their platforms while advocating increased media and information literacy across schools, universities, communities and public institutions.
According to him, equipping citizens with the skills to question sensational claims, verify sources and recognise manipulated content would help build a more informed society.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to credible public communication, responsible information sharing and the promotion of an informed citizenry.
He urged participants to develop practical recommendations that would protect press freedom, strengthen professional standards and encourage cooperation in confronting misinformation.
Other recipients of awards at the summit included Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Defence Minister Christopher Musa; Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris; Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; and Dr. Yakubu Barde, Federal Commissioner for Salaries, Income and Wages, among others.
The summit ended with a call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, media organisations, businesses and citizens to promote credible information, safeguard reputations and strengthen public trust.
Participants stressed the need for collective action to address the growing threat of misinformation while protecting press freedom and professional standards as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
