By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro, for corporate governance, business integrity and ethical leadership.

Usoro received the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity 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.

Speaking at the summit, Usoro warned that fake news and misinformation threatened national security, democratic stability, business confidence and peaceful coexistence, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to fabricate audio recordings, manipulate videos and spread misleading information, noting that false narratives were increasingly being deployed to damage reputations, undermine businesses and heighten political tensions.

“People use false information to de-market their political opponents, competitors’ products and services, as well as create tension in the polity,” he said.

Usoro urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, recommending independent fact-checking organisations such as Dubawa. He also advocated improved training for journalists, wider access to verification tools and stronger collaboration among government agencies, media organisations and technology companies.

He, however, cautioned that efforts to curb misinformation must not be used to suppress press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.

Speaking on the growth of Miden Systems Limited, Usoro said the company was established in 1997 and had expanded from safety and equipment maintenance services into marine services, logistics, facility upgrades and management.

He attributed the company’s growth to quality service delivery, strong client relationships and a commitment to ethical business practices, reaffirming its dedication to transparency and integrity.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the summit was designed to strengthen responsible journalism and equip media professionals with strategies to tackle misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Intelligence, Musa Likita, described fake news as a threat to national security and democratic governance, calling for collective action to curb its spread.

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Haruna Suleiman, urged media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, ensure accurate reporting and promote media literacy.

Other recipients of awards at the summit included Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; General Christopher Musa; Mohammed Idris; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye; and Dr. Yakubu Barde, Federal Commissioner for Salaries, Income and Wages.

The summit called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, media organisations, businesses and citizens to combat misinformation, protect press freedom and rebuild public trust.