The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has again identified spread of fake news and hate speech as major threats to peace and progress in the country.
The agency, which lamented that many consumers of news in the country did not verify them before accepting or disseminating them, said such ugly trends could spark rancour in the grassroots and the society at large.
The State Director, Abia State Directorate of NOA, Mrs Regina Iroha said this when she led her management team on a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Ovukwu Abam autonomous community in Arochukwu LGA, Eze Sunday Kalu Okpi.
Mrs Iroha, who said that NOA was a major bridge between the Federal government and the Nigerian citizens, urged every community to seek and maintain peace and avoid every form of misinformation which retards development.
The Director informed the traditional ruler and his cabinet that NOA had been visiting major stakeholders, sending the message of building a people of peace.
She urged the people to constantly verify every information or fact-check the content of any news story that could be misleading to avoid strife and rancor in the society.
In his response, the traditional ruler of Ovukwu Abam autonomous community, His Royal Highness Eze Sunday Kalu Okpi commended the pivotal role of NOA in bringing the government closer to the people, especially those in the hinterlands.
He lamented the negative effects of fake news and hate speech, and promised to further sensitize his subjects about the consequences.
