Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged media practitioners—especially those operating in Abia—to refrain from spreading false reports that create fear among the public.

The governor made the appeal on Tuesday during the 2025 Media Vision Africa training held in Umuahia. Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, Otti advised journalists to focus on truthful, confidence-boosting stories rather than fear-inducing narratives.

He assured of his administration’s continued support for the media in promoting development in Abia and Nigeria at large. However, he warned against the use of propaganda and distortion of facts in reporting.

“In today’s Abia, where security and economic recovery are top priorities, we need narratives that inspire confidence, not fear. I urge all media practitioners in Abia and across Nigeria to remain faithful image makers, not merchants of fake news,” he said.

Otti emphasized the need for balanced reporting—highlighting challenges without ignoring the progress being made in the state.

In his remarks, Vision Africa President, Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, said the training aimed to prepare young Nigerian media practitioners for future leadership roles. He urged youths to become job creators rather than rely solely on political or government appointments.