Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has trained 30 Community Truth Ambassadors to combat the rising tide of disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and hate speech that threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
The training, held in Awka, Anambra State, was organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under Project IMPACT: Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation.
SIDEC’s Executive Director, Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike, said Project IMPACT is committed to equipping citizens, civil society groups, government actors, media professionals, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and community influencers with critical knowledge and tools to counter harmful narratives.
“Today’s gathering marks a significant step toward activating a robust network of Community Truth Ambassadors, grassroots champions poised to fact-check, counter harmful narratives, and foster safer, more inclusive civic spaces,” she said.
Ehiahuruike explained that the training aimed to strengthen participants’ ability to identify, verify, and counter false information.
It is also to promote digital literacy and fact-checking skills among diverse stakeholders and establish a sustainable network of grassroots fact-checkers.
She added that the program would especially benefit women and PWDs in markets and rural communities.
SIDEC ED also appreciated the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the UK-FCDO for funding Project IMPACT.
Fake news pollutes cyberspace
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described fake news and hate speech are capable of undermining governance, and electoral credibility.
“Fake news does not build but destroys the truth, harmony, and everything good,” he said.
Mefor warned against the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to caricature and mimic respected personalities.
He noted that such practices could damage Anambra’s image ahead of the November 8 elections.
“We can play clean politics without resorting to disinformation. If this trend continues, the election may not be peaceful,” he cautioned.
The commissioner called for swift prosecution of offenders as a deterrent to sanitize social media and online space.
INEC pledges credible polls
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to conduct peaceful and credible elections
She urged political actors to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric as fake news could erode citizens’ trust in the electoral process.
“Your work as truth ambassadors is critical because fake news can undermine our collective resolve for credible elections. I commend SIDEC for this important initiative,” Agwu said.
Disinformation and AI in focus
Regional Officer and ECOWAS Liaison Lead at the West Africa Democracy Network (WADEMOS), Dr Austin Aigbe, facilitated the session.
He delivered sessions on: Understanding fake news and disinformation, and the dangers of misinformation to peace and democracy.
He also presented paper on navigating disinformation and generative AI in Nigeria as well as fact-checking principles, strategies, and dissemination.
Aigbe who taught participants on emerging theories in fake news ecosystem, charged truth ambassadors to see themselves as peace keepers.
“With the training of 30 grassroots Truth Ambassadors, SIDEC hopes to foster inclusive civic engagement and enhance resilience against disinformation.
“We are also ensuring that voters especially women and PWDs participate massively in the November election.
“Together, we can nurture informed communities, uphold democratic values, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s governance processes,” Ehiahuruike affirmed.
