The spokesperson and Director of Public Enlightenment and Education Department of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Demola Bakare fsi, has been conferred with an Award of Excellence in Media Relations by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The award was presented during a one-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners and security reporters, organised by NAOSNP, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Expo and Conference Centre, Alausa, Lagos, on Thursday, 16th October 2025.
In his keynote address at the event themed “Combatting Corruption and Other Vices in Public Service: The Role of the Online Journalists”, Mr. Bakare commended NAOSNP for its commitment to promoting professionalism and ethical standards in online journalism, as well as for recognising the Commission’s efforts in strengthening transparency and accountability through effective media engagement.
He dedicated the award to the entire management and staff of ICPC, describing it as “a recognition of the collective dedication and integrity with which the Commission discharges its mandate.”
Mr. Bakare underscored the critical role of the media, particularly the online media, as both watchdog and partner in governance, stressing that journalists play an indispensable role in exposing malfeasance and giving voice to the voiceless. He, however, cautioned against sensationalism and misinformation, urging media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, fairness, and national interest in their reportage.
“Credibility, not speed, remains the true currency of journalism,” he said, warning that inaccurate or exaggerated reports could undermine public trust, compromise national security, and affect the mental health and productivity of security and anti-corruption operatives.
The ICPC spokesperson further emphasized the need for responsible reporting that balances the public’s right to know with the nation’s need for stability, noting that fake news and misinformation pose significant threats to good governance and institutional integrity.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to collaboration with the media, Mr. Bakare highlighted that ICPC’s fight against corruption rests on three pillars: enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment, and that credible journalists remain strategic allies in advancing these goals.
He concluded by calling on online journalists and security correspondents to embrace accountability journalism, verify facts, and uphold patriotism in their work, stating that “protecting investigators’ mental health through factual, objective, and less opinionated reportage is protecting the integrity of our institutions.”