The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr. Brendan Innocent 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.
The award recognised Usoro’s contributions to corporate governance and responsible business practices, alongside other distinguished Nigerians honoured for their achievements in leadership, public service and professional excellence.
Speaking at the event, Usoro said fake news and misinformation had become serious concerns for 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 to generate fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and produce misleading reports, noting that such developments had made it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from false content.
According to him, addressing misinformation requires a coordinated response involving government institutions, media organisations, technology companies and citizens.
Usoro said misinformation could affect political campaigns, electoral activities, businesses and public confidence, stressing the importance of promoting accurate information and responsible communication.
He noted that false information could undermine public trust, heighten ethnic and religious tensions, and influence citizens’ democratic choices.
The Miden Systems chairman also highlighted the potential impact of deepfake technology and online disinformation on public confidence in political leaders and democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, particularly sensational messages, photographs and videos circulated on social media platforms.
He recommended the use of independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, to establish the authenticity of reports before they are disseminated.
He also called for improved training for journalists and fact-checkers, as well as greater access to artificial intelligence-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 in addressing misinformation and promoting responsible information sharing.
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 several 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 both 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, noting the need for accurate reporting and responsible information sharing to support democratic processes.
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 concerns for 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 while also increasing the importance of verifying information before publication or circulation.
He said fabricated reports, manipulated photographs, deceptive audio recordings and misleading videos could create confusion and weaken public confidence in institutions.
The minister called on media organisations, government institutions and citizens to work together to promote accurate information and responsible communication.
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 addressing speculation and promoting informed public discourse.
Idris urged media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify information sources and promptly correct errors.
He also called on technology companies to promote responsible use 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 addressing misinformation.
Other recipients of awards at the summit included Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji 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 misinformation while protecting press freedom and professional standards as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.