The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with Tomruk iHub Multiverse, DAFUDA, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development (CJID), yesterday ended the 9th series of the National Fact-Checking Course.
The 9th series course on National Fact-Checking was held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to retrain journalists on investigative journalism and curb the menace of fake news.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director-General of NOA, Dr Garba Abari, underscored the essence of the course, saying: “when you see what is on social media, the divisive, abusive, destructive messages have characterized the need for this
“This is all part of what has become our take on the role of social media in misinformation, disinformation and of course, in the dissemination of false content, with all the culminating consequences on our national integrity, national values, national cohesion and unity.”
The NOA boss revealed that after the conclusion of the 2023 general election, a heated struggle emerged to divide public sentiments, fostering animosity through the dissemination of fabricated news, false information, and misleading content.
“These detrimental practices, which manifest through various mediums such as text, videos, images, and verbal communication, pose significant threats to both national security and the overall progress of the nation.
“Should these activities persist without restraint, the proliferation of fake news holds the potential to incite violence, breed distrust among ethnic, religious, and regional communities, and spark acts of aggression?” he queried.
1,117 journalists were drawn from across the country for the course.
The National Orientation Agency of Nigeria is the body tasked with communicating government policy, staying abreast of public opinion, and promoting patriotism, national unity, and development of Nigerian society. The motto on its website states: “Do the right thing: transform Nigeria