FG Honours Miden Systems Chairman For Corporate Governance

The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr Brendan Innocent Usoro, with an award for corporate governance and business integrity at a summit organised by the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) in Abuja.

Usoro received the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity Award on Wednesday at the NPC National Summit on Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigerian Media Space, held at NICON Luxury Hotel.

Speaking at the event, Usoro warned that misinformation posed risks to national security, democratic stability, business confidence and peaceful coexistence, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He expressed concern over the use of artificial intelligence to produce fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and circulate misleading reports, saying the trend had made it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from falsehoods.

According to him, misinformation was increasingly being used to undermine political opponents, damage businesses and create tension in society.

“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 called for coordinated action by government institutions, media organisations, technology companies and citizens to tackle the spread of false information.

He urged Nigerians to verify reports before sharing them on social media and recommended independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, as resources for checking the authenticity of claims.

He also called for improved training for journalists and fact-checkers and wider access to artificial intelligence-assisted verification tools.

The Miden Systems chairman urged technology companies and regulatory agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen collaboration against malicious synthetic media.

He, however, cautioned that efforts to curb misinformation should not undermine press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.

On the impact of misinformation on businesses, Usoro said Miden Systems had experienced what he described as the damaging effects of false information. He alleged that the company and its executives had been targeted following a financial dispute with a commercial bank.

Usoro said Miden Systems was established in 1997 and had expanded from safety and equipment maintenance services into marine services, logistics, and offshore and onshore facility upgrades, maintenance and management.

He said the company had undertaken contracts in the oil and gas industry and provided services to organisations including Renaissance Africa Energy Company, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG Limited, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Port Harcourt Refinery Company, Addax Petroleum and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

Expressing appreciation for the award, Usoro reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ethical conduct, transparency and integrity in its business dealings.

“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 NPC, Dr Dili Ezughah, said the summit was organised to strengthen the media ecosystem, promote responsible journalism and improve media professionals’ capacity to combat misinformation.

Ezughah said the initiative was particularly important as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, warning that fake news and propaganda could undermine democratic processes.

He said the summit brought together media practitioners, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, security agencies and other stakeholders to discuss practical ways to address misinformation.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Intelligence, Musa Likita, also described misinformation as a threat to national security, democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.

Musa said fabricated reports, manipulated photographs, deceptive audio recordings and misleading videos could provoke hostility, spread confusion and weaken public confidence in institutions.

He called for cooperation among government agencies, media organisations and citizens to curb the spread of false information.

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr Haruna Suleiman, called on media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify sources and correct errors promptly.

Idris also urged technology companies to address the misuse of their platforms and called for greater media and information literacy in schools, universities and communities.

Other award recipients included Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris, Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and Federal Commissioner for Salaries, Income and Wages Dr Yakubu Barde.

The summit ended with calls for stronger collaboration among government institutions, media organisations, businesses and citizens to promote credible information, protect reputations and strengthen public trust while safeguarding press freedom.