OnPointGist.com is a Nigerian digital news and information platform committed to providing accurate, timely, fair, responsible and relevant publishing content to our readers.

Our coverage includes Nigerian and international news, politics, business, metro, entertainment, sports, opportunities, technology, lifestyle, community stories, analysis, interviews and other matters of public interest.

Our editorial mission is simple:

To keep our readers informed, accurately and responsibly.

We recognise that public trust is earned through accuracy, transparency, fairness and accountability. This Editorial Policy explains the standards that guide our journalists, editors, contributors and editorial partners.

Accuracy and Verification

Accuracy is at the centre of our journalism.

Before publishing information, our editorial team makes reasonable efforts to verify important facts using credible sources and available evidence.

Depending on the story, verification may include:

• Official government statements
• Court documents and legal records
• Police or security agency statements
• Statements from recognised institutions
• Direct interviews
• Official reports and documents
• First-hand accounts
• Multiple independent sources
• Reputable news organisations
• Verified photographs and videos
• Publicly available records
• Statements from individuals or organisations directly involved

We do not knowingly publish false information.

Where information cannot be independently verified, we will make this clear to readers rather than presenting allegations, rumours or speculation as established fact.

Sources

We seek to identify our sources wherever reasonably possible.

Sources may include:

• Named individuals
• Government officials
• Organisations
• Experts
• Witnesses
• Official documents
• Public records
• Institutions
• Anonymous sources where justified

Anonymous sources may be used when the information is of legitimate public interest and there is a reasonable justification for protecting the source’s identity.

Where anonymity is granted, the editorial team should understand the source’s identity and assess the reliability and potential conflicts of the source before publication.

We will not knowingly fabricate sources, quotations or information.

Breaking News

Breaking news often develops rapidly and information may change.

When reporting developing events, OnPointGist may publish an initial report based on information that has been sufficiently verified at the time.

As additional credible information becomes available, we may update the article.

We will distinguish between:

Confirmed information — information supported by reliable evidence or authoritative sources.

Unconfirmed information — information that has not yet been independently verified.

Allegations — claims made by an individual or organisation that have not been established as fact.

Opinion or analysis — interpretation or commentary rather than factual reporting.

We will not deliberately present rumours or speculation as confirmed news.

Fairness and Right of Reply

OnPointGist seeks to treat individuals and organisations fairly.

When a report contains serious allegations or claims that could materially affect a person’s reputation, we will, where reasonably possible, seek a response from the person or organisation concerned.

A response may be obtained:

• Before publication;
• During the reporting process; or
• After publication where new information or a response becomes available.

If a person or organisation declines to comment, we may state that they were contacted and did not respond.

The inability to obtain a response does not necessarily prevent publication where the information is sufficiently verified and there is a legitimate public interest.

Corrections and Errors

We recognise that mistakes can happen in journalism.

When OnPointGist identifies a significant factual error, we will correct it promptly and transparently.

Corrections may relate to:

• Names
• Dates
• Locations
• Figures
• Quotations
• Statistics
• Titles
• Descriptions
• Images
• Headlines
• Other material facts

Minor spelling, punctuation or formatting errors that do not change the meaning of a story may be corrected without a formal correction notice.

Where a substantive factual correction is made, we may include a correction note explaining what was changed.

Readers can report errors through our Contact the Editor channel.

Editorial email: editor@onpointgist.com

Updates to Published Stories

News can change after an article has been published.

Where significant new information becomes available, OnPointGist may update an existing article.

An updated article may contain:

Update: Used when new information has become available.

Clarification: Used when additional explanation is required to prevent misunderstanding.

Correction: Used when previously published information was factually incorrect.

Where appropriate, the article’s publication or update date will be reflected.

We do not intentionally rewrite history to conceal significant editorial errors.

Retractions

In exceptional circumstances, a story may be substantially wrong or unsupported by credible evidence.

Where a serious error cannot reasonably be corrected within the existing article, OnPointGist may:

• Publish a prominent correction;
• Publish an editor’s note;
• Retract the report;
• Remove specific material;
• Replace or substantially revise the story;
• Publish a follow-up explaining the correction.

Any decision to retract significant editorial content will be made by the appropriate editorial authority.

Independence from Advertisers and Commercial Interests

Editorial decisions must remain independent of advertising and commercial relationships.

Advertisers, sponsors, partners, clients or other commercial interests do not have the right to determine:

• What OnPointGist reports;
• Whether a legitimate news story is published;
• The editorial conclusion of a story;
• The wording of independent editorial coverage.

Paid or sponsored content will be clearly identified so readers can distinguish commercial material from independent editorial content.

Advertising does not buy favourable editorial coverage.

Sponsored Content and Partnerships

Sponsored articles, branded content, promotional materials and other commercial publications will be appropriately labelled.

Readers should be able to distinguish between:

• Independent journalism;
• Opinion;
• Sponsored content;
• Advertising;
• Public relations material;
• Promotional content.

Commercial arrangements must not be presented in a way that intentionally deceives readers about their nature.

Conflicts of Interest

Journalists, editors and contributors should avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise editorial independence.

Potential conflicts may include:

• Financial interests;
• Personal relationships;
• Political relationships;
• Business relationships;
• Gifts or benefits;
• Paid relationships with subjects of coverage;
• Other interests that could reasonably influence editorial judgment.

Where a significant conflict cannot reasonably be avoided, it should be disclosed to the appropriate editor and, where necessary, to readers.

Gifts, Payments and Benefits

Our editorial decisions should never be improperly influenced by gifts, money, favours, hospitality or other benefits.

Journalists and contributors should not accept benefits intended to influence coverage.

Any significant gift, payment or benefit that could create a conflict of interest should be disclosed to editorial management.

Political and Public Affairs Coverage

OnPointGist covers political parties, government institutions, public officials, candidates and political developments as matters of public interest.

Our journalism should not knowingly favour or attack a political party, candidate or public official because of personal, commercial or political interests.

Political claims should be attributed to the person or organisation making them.

Where competing claims exist, we will seek to provide appropriate context and, where reasonably possible, relevant responses.

Opinion articles may express viewpoints, but they should be clearly distinguishable from straight news reporting.

Opinion, Analysis and Commentary

Opinion is different from news reporting.

Opinion articles, commentary and analysis may contain interpretation, criticism or personal viewpoints.

Such content should be clearly identified so readers understand that it is not presented as straight news reporting.

Opinions should not knowingly present fabricated facts as truth.

User-Generated Content and News Tips

OnPointGist may receive information, photographs, videos, documents and story tips from members of the public.

Submission of material does not guarantee publication.

Before using user-generated material in editorial coverage, we may assess:

• Authenticity;
• Source;
• Date;
• Location;
• Context;
• Relevance;
• Copyright or usage rights;
• Potential harm;
• Whether the material has been manipulated.

Where necessary, we may contact the person who submitted the material for clarification.

Photographs, Videos and Digital Media

Images and videos should accurately represent the subject or event they are presented as depicting.

We will not intentionally manipulate editorial photographs or videos in a way that materially misleads readers.

Illustrations, archive images, stock images, AI-generated images or other non-original visuals should be appropriately identified where necessary to avoid misleading readers.

Where an image or video is illustrative rather than an actual depiction of the reported event, we may identify it as such.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology

OnPointGist may use artificial intelligence and other digital tools to support certain newsroom functions, including:

• Research assistance;
• Transcription;
• Translation;
• Headline or formatting assistance;
• Content organisation;
• Data analysis;
• Image or design assistance.

However, AI-generated information is not automatically considered accurate.

Human editorial oversight remains responsible for published journalism.

AI tools must not be knowingly used to fabricate:

• News events;
• Quotes;
• Sources;
• Witnesses;
• Documents;
• Statistics;
• Evidence.

Where AI-generated or significantly AI-assisted material could reasonably affect a reader’s understanding of authenticity or origin, appropriate disclosure may be provided.

Social Media

Our editorial standards apply to content published through our social media channels.

Social media posts, headlines, captions, images and videos should meet the same basic standards of accuracy and responsibility as content published on our website.

Where a significant error is identified in social media content, we may correct, update or remove the post and, where appropriate, publish a correction.

Headlines

Headlines should accurately represent the substance of an article.

We do not intentionally use headlines that materially mislead readers about the content of a story.

Headlines may be concise and engaging, particularly for digital platforms, but accuracy remains more important than sensationalism.

Clickbait and Sensationalism

OnPointGist seeks to attract readers through compelling journalism rather than deliberately misleading headlines or claims.

We may use strong headlines when justified by the facts of a story.

However, we will not intentionally create false impressions simply to generate clicks, traffic or engagement.

Privacy

We respect individuals’ reasonable expectations of privacy.

Personal information should not be published simply because it is available.

Before publishing private or sensitive information, editors should consider:

• Public interest;
• Potential harm;
• Relevance to the story;
• Whether the information has been independently verified;
• Whether publication is necessary.

Particular care should be exercised when reporting on children, victims, vulnerable individuals and people experiencing traumatic circumstances.

Children and Vulnerable People

Stories involving children and vulnerable individuals require additional care.

We will consider whether identifying a person is necessary and in the public interest.

We will avoid unnecessary publication of information that could expose vulnerable individuals to additional harm, exploitation, harassment or danger.

Crime and Allegations

A person accused of a crime should not automatically be presented as guilty.

Where appropriate, we will use terms such as:

• “alleged”;
• “accused”;
• “suspect”;
• “according to police”;
• “according to court documents”; or
• other accurate descriptions reflecting the status of the matter.

Where legal proceedings are ongoing, reporting should distinguish allegations from established facts.

If a person or organisation is accused of wrongdoing, we will make reasonable efforts to seek their response where appropriate.

Sensitive and Graphic Content

Some stories may involve violence, death, disasters, accidents, abuse or other disturbing material.

We will consider whether publishing graphic information, photographs or videos is necessary to inform the public.

Graphic material will not be published merely for shock value or entertainment.

Where necessary, appropriate warnings or context may be provided.

Hate Speech, Discrimination and Harm

OnPointGist does not intentionally promote hatred, discrimination or violence against individuals or groups.

Where offensive, discriminatory or inflammatory statements are newsworthy, they may be reported when there is legitimate public interest, but the context should be made clear.

We will not knowingly amplify harmful claims without appropriate editorial context.

Copyright and Attribution

We respect copyright and intellectual-property rights.

Where we use material belonging to another person or organisation, we will seek appropriate permission or rely on a lawful basis for use where applicable.

Sources should be credited where appropriate.

We do not knowingly present another person’s work as our own.

Where third-party material is embedded, quoted, linked or referenced, the source should be appropriately attributed.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is unacceptable.

Journalists, contributors and editors must not present another person’s reporting, writing, photographs, videos or creative work as their own.

Where material is derived from another source, appropriate attribution should be provided.

Source Attribution

When information originates from another publication, organisation or source, OnPointGist will seek to attribute the information appropriately.

Attribution may include references such as:

“According to the statement…”

“The agency said…”

“Court documents show…”

“The report stated…”

Where practical, readers should be able to identify the origin of significant information.

Corrections Requested by Readers

Readers are encouraged to report possible errors.

A correction request should include:

1. Article title;
2. Article URL;
3. Specific statement believed to be incorrect;
4. Explanation of why it is incorrect;
5. Correct information;
6. Supporting evidence or credible sources;
7. Contact information for follow-up.

A request for correction does not automatically mean that an article is wrong.

Our editorial team will independently review the information before deciding whether an amendment is appropriate.

Editorial Complaints

Readers who believe that OnPointGist has breached this Editorial Policy may contact the Editor.

Complaints should clearly explain:

• The article or content involved;
• The specific editorial concern;
• The policy provision concerned, where applicable;
• Supporting evidence;
• What outcome is being requested.

Complaints will be reviewed according to their seriousness and available information.

Contact the Editor

Email: editor@onpointgist.com

General Editorial Contact: contact@onpointgist.com

Phone/WhatsApp:
+234 906 128 9779
+234 808 310 8016

Editorial Accountability

The Editor and editorial management are responsible for maintaining these standards across OnPointGist’s editorial operations.

The policy applies, where relevant, to:

• Website articles;
• Breaking news;
• Investigative reports;
• Interviews;
• Opinion;
• Analysis;
• Podcasts;
• Videos;
• Newsletters;
• Social media;
• Multimedia content;
• Contributor submissions.

Editorial standards may be reviewed and updated as our organisation, technology and the media environment evolve.

Our Promise to Readers

OnPointGist understands that credibility cannot be demanded; it must be earned.

We therefore commit to:

Be accurate.
Be fair.
Verify information.
Distinguish fact from opinion.
Give people a reasonable opportunity to respond.
Correct significant mistakes.
Protect editorial independence.
Respect privacy and human dignity.
Identify commercial content.
Be transparent about our journalism.
Remain accountable to our readers.

Our goal is not simply to be first.

Our goal is to be trusted.

OnPointGist.com
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