Ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, come September 21 and November 16, 2024, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), on Wednesday trained journalist in Abuja on Meedan Check tool to curb fake news in the media space .
The CDD Fact Checking Lead, Mr. Armsfree Ajanaku, said organisation strongly believes in working closely with the media to counter disinformation in all its ramifications.
Armsfree explained that the focus is on how to use an innovative tool, known as the Meedan Check to enhance our countering disinformation efforts.
He said as professionals with the responsibility to inform the public, journalists cannot underestimate the threat posed by misinformation.
“Misinformation and disinformation work in scattered and disorganized ways to undermine robust participation in key activities, which are at the heart of the process of consolidating democracy.
“The scale of the challenge is massive, and no one stakeholder working alone can effectively address a challenge of this scale.
“Only yesterday, we saw how even official communication from the highest office in the land could result in the misinformation of citizens. There is a plethora of other instances, which make it imperative for us as journalists and information managers to be vigilant and circumspect when we share information.
” Disinformation and every other form of information disorder are capable of sparking chain reactions, which could either lead to break down of law and order or distrust in democratic institutions. Disinformation could be the reason voters stay away completely from casting their ballots in elections,” he said.
