Journalists have been implored to lawfully explore all fact-checking tools to avoid misinformation, disinformation and malinformation in their reportage.
The programme manager, International Press Center (IPC), Stella Nwafia, made the call at the opening of a two-day training organised by IPC, with support from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) with the theme: “media engagement on using fact-checking and FoiA to combat information disorder,” for 40 selected participants from North Central and North West Nigeria, held at Bafra International hotel, Kaduna.
She said: “By promoting a culture of critical thinking, fact verification, and media literacy, our goal is to empower journalists to uphold truth, advocate for integrity, and safeguard democracy.”
According to Stella, the IPC anticipates for the establishment of a network of journalists recognized as the distinguished IPC/EUSDGN fellows specializing in fact-checking, investigative reporting, and freedom of information journalism.
She said the training program seeks to address a critical aspect highlighted in the EU, EOM final report on the 2023 general elections, which underlines that online social platforms played a significant role in both campaigning and public oversight of the electoral process.
“However, there were instances where these platforms were misused, either for campaigning lacking transparency or for creating misleading impressions of widespread support.
“Despite repeated warnings from government officials about the dangers of misinformation, various entities, including individuals associated with major political parties, disseminated false information online,” she said.
She added that the training was thoughtfully designed to provoke transformation within participants, aimed at enabling them of becoming the agents of promoting good governance.