Our Commitment to Accuracy
At WeGoTalk Naija, we make every reasonable effort to ensure that the information we publish is accurate, fair and properly sourced.
However, journalism is produced by people, and mistakes can sometimes occur.
When we identify a significant factual error in one of our stories, we will investigate it and correct the information as appropriate.
We believe correcting an error is not a weakness. It is part of responsible journalism and an important part of maintaining the trust of our readers.
What We Correct
We may correct a published article when it contains a material factual error, including an incorrect:
- Name
- Date
- Location
- Figure or statistic
- Quote
- Description of an event
- Attribution
- Statement of fact
- Other information that could materially mislead readers
We may also correct headlines when the headline does not accurately reflect the information contained in the article.
Corrections, Updates and Clarifications
Not every change to an article represents a correction.
We distinguish between three types of editorial changes:
Correction
A correction addresses a factual error in information that was previously published.
For example, if an article incorrectly states that an event happened on Tuesday when it actually happened on Wednesday, we will correct the date.
Update
An update adds significant new information that became available after the original publication.
For example, an article about an ongoing court case may be updated after a new ruling, hearing or official statement.
Clarification
A clarification may be added when information was technically accurate but could reasonably have been misunderstood because the wording lacked sufficient context or precision.
Where appropriate, we will clearly indicate that an article has been corrected, updated or clarified.
How We Handle Corrections
When a significant error is identified, our editorial team will:
- Review the published information.
- Identify the specific claim or information in question.
- Check the relevant source material.
- Where necessary, contact the person or organisation concerned.
- Determine whether the information requires correction, clarification or an update.
- Make the appropriate change.
- Add a correction note when the error is significant enough to warrant one.
We will not quietly change a material error in a way that could mislead readers about what was originally published.
Minor spelling, grammar, formatting or typographical errors may be corrected without a formal correction notice where they do not alter the meaning of the story.
Correction Notes
For significant factual corrections, WeGoTalk may add a note to the article explaining the correction.
A correction note may take a form such as:
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated [incorrect information]. The story has been corrected to reflect [correct information].
The wording will depend on the nature of the error.
Our aim is to be transparent without giving unnecessary attention to minor editorial changes.
Corrections to Headlines
We take headlines seriously because many readers may encounter a headline before reading the full story.
If a headline contains a material factual error, we will correct it.
If the original headline substantially misrepresented the story, we may also acknowledge the change where appropriate.
We will not knowingly use a headline that makes a claim the article itself cannot support.
Reader Correction Requests
Readers are encouraged to contact us if they believe a WeGoTalk story contains a factual error.
A useful correction request should include:
- The title or link to the article.
- The specific information believed to be incorrect.
- An explanation of why it is incorrect.
- Reliable evidence supporting the proposed correction.
- Contact information where further clarification may be necessary.
Readers can send correction requests through the WeGoTalk contact channel or the designated editorial contact provided on our website.
What Happens After a Reader Reports an Error?
Receiving a correction request does not automatically mean that an article is wrong.
Our editorial team will review the information and assess the evidence.
Where appropriate, we may contact the original source, relevant institution or person involved in the story.
If the evidence confirms that we made an error, we will make the necessary correction.
If the evidence does not support a correction, we may leave the article unchanged.
Where appropriate, we may explain our decision to the person who submitted the request.
Disagreements Are Not Automatically Errors
We distinguish between factual errors and disagreements over interpretation or opinion.
A person or organisation may disagree with how an event has been analysed without the article containing a factual error.
Similarly, a political party, government agency, company or individual may dispute a report.
Such disputes will be assessed based on the available evidence.
Where a significant dispute involves a factual claim, we may update the story to include a relevant response or additional context.
Legal Complaints
A request to correct information is different from a legal complaint.
We take legitimate legal concerns seriously, but a threat of legal action does not automatically mean that a published story is inaccurate.
Our editorial team will independently review the relevant facts and make corrections where the evidence supports them.
Where necessary, we will seek appropriate legal advice.
Archived and Older Stories
We may correct older articles when we discover a significant factual error.
Older stories may also be updated when new information materially changes the understanding of an event.
Where an older article has historical value, we will take care not to alter the historical record unnecessarily.
Our Responsibility
We understand that published information can affect people’s reputations, businesses, livelihoods and decisions.
That is why we do not treat corrections as an afterthought.
We expect our editors and contributors to report responsibly, verify important information and promptly alert the editorial team when they discover an error.
We also encourage readers to hold us accountable.
Our Correction Standard
Our goal is not to appear perfect.
Our goal is to be accurate, transparent and accountable.
When we are wrong, we will correct the record.
When new information changes a story, we will update it.
When a claim cannot be verified, we will say so.
And when readers raise legitimate concerns, we will take them seriously.
WeGoTalk Naija — Talking Nigeria, One Story at a Time.