In a concerted effort to address the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with Tomruk iHub Multiverse and DAFUDA, recently organized a strategic training program. The initiative aimed to equip media practitioners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), community leaders, and government officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively counteract the spread of fake news.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of misinformation on peace-building efforts in Nigeria, the training program focused on the theme “COMBATING FAKE NEWS IN THE SECURITY, INTELLIGENCE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC SERVICE ECOSYSTEM FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND NATIONAL PEACE.” Held from the 23rd to the 25th of April, 2024, the event took place at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Asokoro, Abuja
The training sessions were led by esteemed resource persons, including Odeyemi Olayiwole, CEO of Inspired to Lead; Lateef Sani from the Center for Journalism and Innovative Development; Job David Ayuba, CEO of Tomruk iHub Multiverse; Austin Aigbe, Lead Consultant at DebunkITNG; and David Akoji, Director of Special Duties and State Operations at the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Throughout the program, participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical exercises, and discussions aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of fake news dissemination and its impacts. Drawing participants from various sectors including the Defense Headquarters (DHQ), Federal Inland Revenue Service, Standards Organization of Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics, National Judicial Institute, Plateau State Government, Ministry of Petroleum, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the training fostered collaboration among key stakeholders in combating the spread of misinformation.
By empowering stakeholders with the tools and strategies to identify and address fake news effectively, the initiative seeks to safeguard the integrity of information channels and promote national peace and economic progress.