By: Cajetan Naomi, Osuman Kindness, Onodugo Jessica, Adebayo Oluwaseyi, and Odufeso Damilola
An alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr. Adedeji Akin, currently a journalist at THISDAY Newspaper, has advised students on prioritising credibility over virality.
Speaking at a panel discussion during an event themed “Viral Trends and News,” organised by the Vibes Community on Wednesday, February 26, at the NIJ campus in Ogba, Akin shed light on the impact of viral content on public discourse and the responsibilities of journalists in covering such trends.
He emphasised that while viral stories dominate social media, not all of them qualify as newsworthy material. “Viral trends are widely discussed on social media, sparking public conversations across digital and media spaces,” he explained.
To break down the concept, Akin referenced four key communication theories: Bullet Theory and Needle Theory, which explain how shocking or emotionally charged stories create a buzz online; Agenda-Framing Theory and Agenda-Setting Theory, which demonstrate how the media shapes public perception of news.
These theories, he noted, help understand why certain stories gain traction and how journalists should approach them responsibly.
The ex-student highlighted the significant gap between social media influencers and professional journalists. He said, “Unlike influencers, journalists are trained to investigate and verify information before dissemination,” stressing that every viral story often contains missing facts or misinformation that requires thorough journalistic scrutiny.
Using the viral case of the late Nigerian musician Mohbad as an example, he criticised the role of social media in distorting facts.
He said, “Social media clouded Mohbad’s case because everyone jumped on the trend—bloggers, vloggers, and others—spreading unverified claims just for engagement. But as a journalist, your job is to investigate. You must provide a fair, well-researched report, allowing the public to form informed opinions.”
During the question and answer session, a National Diploma (ND2) student, Godwin Amaechi, inquired about effective fact-checking methods to combat fake news. In response, Akin outlined essential strategies, including the need for journalists to stay informed by reading, watching, and listening to reports from reputable media organizations.
He advised journalists to cultivate relationships with key sources. “For instance, if an incident occurs at Ogba, the right approach would be to reach out to the Area G Police Station or traffic officers at Aguda for firsthand information,” he explained.
He then encouraged aspiring journalists to be proactive in their field, emphasizing the need for resilience, courage, and determination.
Adedeji Akin is also a co-founder and ambassador of the Vibes Community. He revealed that the initiative started in his class during his academic set at NIJ.
Founded in 2021 by Oluwatosin Reallion Samuels, the Vibes Community is a non-governmental organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering undergraduates in areas such as career development, financial literacy, and purpose discovery.
Recall that the group announced a leadership transition in October 2024, appointing Oluwaseyi Adebayo as the new president to drive its mission across higher institutions in Nigeria.
The new Vibes boss promised that the fresh tenure would bring many initiatives, including the recently held “Viral Trends and News” event.
