Journalists and other digital right actors have been called upon to renew their determination in combating the threats posed by misinformation and disinformation.
This call was made by Dr. Akin Akingbulu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, in his welcome address at a two-day training on “Enhancing Accuracy and Reliability of Information in the Context of Mis/Disinformation.” The project, supported by IFEX, aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and tools in combating misinformation/disinformation in crisis communication.
Dr. Akingbulu emphasized that the integrity of information in the public domain is crucial for upholding the foundations of democratic societies and stressed the importance of exercising resilience in combating misinformation and safeguarding the integrity of information, particularly in the
digital era.
“In a digital age where information spreads rapidly and easily, false narratives can sway public opinion, distort political discourse, and manipulate electoral processes. These phenomena not only threaten the credibility of democratic systems but also endanger the fundamental rights of citizens to make informed decisions”
Acknowledging the critical role of a free press in upholding democratic pillars amidst the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Dr. Akingbulu highlighted the challenges faced by the media environment, which still appears hostile to free speech.
He called for collaborative efforts among journalists and civil societies to combat falsehoods effectively.
In a remark, the Programme Manager, Mr. Timothy Bamidele, urged participants to seize the opportunity provided by the training to fortify themselves against threats such as online censorship and cyberattacks.
Ten individuals representing media organizations and civil society groups were selected to participate in the Train the Trainers component of the project.
This initiative aims to further empower participants to disseminate their knowledge and skills in combating misinformation within their respective communities.
The training underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the pervasive challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation especially within the context of crisis communication.
