In line with its commitment to enhance media literacy and fight the spread of misinformation and fake news in local communities, a nonprofit organisation, Milestone Agenda for Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (MAFYEDI) has hosted community sensitization on fact-checking misinformation at two rural communities in Kwara State.
The promgramme, which is in collaboration with FactCheck Africa and Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) was held at Ganmo and Amoyo communities, both in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state.
For Ganmo, the community sensitization held at the Oni Ganmo of Ganmo Palace, and had in attendance around 150 community members, including their traditional ruler, Oba Kamaldeen Akanbi Jimoh, members of the traditional council, and the Chief Imam of the community. In Amoyo, the programme took place at the Community Hall and was attended by over 100 residents of the community.
“At the two communities, we engaged community members on the dangers of disinformation, fake news, and hate speech, and also equipped them with essential skills to identify and fact-check misinformation, as well as seek out credible sources,” said the Executive Director of MAFYEDI, Dr. Zainab Yaqub.
She added: “the feedback we received after the training was overwhelmingly positive. The community leaders expressed their gratitude for our visit and the sensitization programme, stating that it came at a critical time as the community is currently grappling with misinformation that has caused tension and mistrust among leaders and members of the community.
“We remain committed to enhancing media literacy, especially at the grassroots, fight the spread of misinformation and contribute to the establishment of a more informed and discerning population. We believe that fighting disinformation and hate speeches is integral to efforts to build peace and enable progress and development.
“We appreciate FactCheck Africa and Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative for their support, which enabled us to conduct this vital community programme. This kind of community engagement is pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by fake news and disinformation.”
