Owing to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the Center for Media and Society (CEMESO) and IFEX have trained media practitioners on digital autonomy and digital resilience in other to enhance the accuracy and reliability of information.
In his opening remarks at the two-day training in Ibadan, Oyo state, the Executive Director, of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu said misinformation and disinformation pose a pervasive challenge to democracy by undermining the integrity of information and, at the same time eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
“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.
“Tackling misinformation and disinformation requires collaborative efforts from governments, media organizations, civil society, and individuals to promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking skills. By addressing these challenges head-on, democracies can uphold transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas essential for their functioning”.
Akingbulu called on civil society organizations to promote media literacy in other to enhance the accuracy and reliability of information.
‘We have the professional responsibility to safeguard the truth, protect democracy, and combat misinformation and disinformation’.
According to him, the very essence of media independence, freedom of expression, and access to information hinges upon the practitioners’ ability to discern truth from falsehood, and fact from fiction.
“Through this training, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically”.
Understanding misinformation and disinformation, Digital literacy fundamentals, Addressing Bias and Echo Chambers, and identifying credible sources and fact-checking techniques were among the topics that were treated.
However, he charged the practitioners to be fact-checker ambassadors as they embark on the journey to sharpen their critical thinking skills, bolster their digital literacy, and fortify their defenses against the onslaught of misinformation.
The media professionals drawn from across broadcast, print, and online media platforms are expected to train other journalists with the digital skills that they have gained.
Facilitators at the two-day training include; David Ajikobi, the Nigerian Editor of Africa Check, and Williams Osewezina a Media expert and Digital Literacy enthusiast.
