In a world where information spreads rapidly and influences our daily lives, the rise of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news has become a growing concern. Recognizing the need to combat this issue head-on, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with DAFUDA, Center for Journalism Innovation Development (CJID), and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) holds the 9th series of the National Fact-Checking Course in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The three-day workshop brings together participants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, aiming to enhance their capacity in fact-checking the credibility of information dissemination. With a focus on identifying and preventing the spread of fake news and hate speech, this collaborative effort sought to address the negative impact such misinformation can have on national and social cohesion, as well as economic development.
During his welcome address, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Garba Abari, shed light on the agency’s 2021 5-year strategic plan. This plan aimed to train 37,000 fact-checkers across the country, with a target of 1,000 individuals per state.
The importance of fact-checking cannot be overstated. Misinformation and disinformation have the potential to sow seeds of discord, erode trust, and hinder progress in any society. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools to identify and verify the authenticity of information, we can create an army of fact-checkers who play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of our information ecosystem.
The 9th series of the National Fact-Checking Course in FCT Abuja serves as a beacon of hope in our ongoing fight against misinformation and disinformation. Let us embrace the power of accurate information, champion the cause of fact-checking, and work together to build a stronger and more resilient information ecosystem for the benefit of all Nigerians.