Anambra guber: SIDEC empowers over 30 ambassadors to tackle fake news, hate speech
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has taken a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
In collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, SIDEC empowered over 30 Community Truth Ambassadors to tackle the spread of fake news, hate speech, and disinformation in the state.
The 2-day workshop, which was held in Awka, Anambra State capital, aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, report, and counter harmful narratives on social media.
In her welcome address, Executive Director of SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike said the initiative is part of SIDEC’s efforts to promote media literacy, reduce the spread of misinformation, and foster a safer and more inclusive online environment.
Ehiahuruike noted that the spread of disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and hate speech poses a significant threat to electoral integrity and governance in Anambra State, underscoring the need for community ambassadors to promote peace and stability.
“We believe that by empowering community champions, we can create a network of individuals who can help to counter harmful narratives and promote fact-based information,” Ehiahuruike said.
“This is crucial in the lead-up to the governorship election, as it will help to ensure that citizens are well-informed and able to make informed decisions.”
In his remark, Commissioner for Information and Public enlightenment, Law Mefor, stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing, stating that spreading false information is a form of criminality that pollutes cyberspace.
He highlighted the potential consequences of fake news, likening lies to a moral sin and crime that can lead to serious miscalculations and decisions.
“I have never seen where fake news is intended to kill. It is meant to destroy truth, harmony, and everything good. That is what is going on.
“If you go to social media, you will see what we are talking about. You will see the deployment of AI to mimic, satirize and caricature many people who have gained national and international standings.
“By the time they finish destroying these personalities that are not only iconic but represent Anambra in the centre and in the world, how do you want the world to see them when we are done with November 8. There ought to be consequences for such actions.”
Mefor emphasized that politics could be played without unleashing hate speech, disinformation, and misinformation, and that clean politics was possible without resorting to such tactics.
He warned that if the trend of spreading fake news and disinformation continued, the November 8 election might not be peaceful, which he said, would be unfortunate given its potential to be one of the best elections in the country.
SIDEC Board Chairman, Prof Uche Nwogwugwu, described the workshop as timely, citing the existential threats posed by unregulated social media. He emphasized that timely trials of fake news spreaders would deter others and help regulate the social media space, promoting a safer online environment.
In her brief remark, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu assured that her organization has put in place measures to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, including voter education and the use of technology.
She urged the participants to use the platform as opportunities to contribute their quota towards producing a peaceful, fair and credible election.
Austin Aigbe, the lead facilitator, guided participants through a range of critical topics, including understanding fake news, navigating disinformation and generative AI, applying principles of fact-checking reporting, and mastering fact-checking tools and techniques.
Another facilitator, Bruno Chinecherem, in his presentation on “Forms of Participation for Youth,” highlighted several obstacles and enablers to youth involvement, including restrictive age requirements, inexperience, flawed political systems, economic challenges, and cultural and gender biases. He outlined lowering and aligning minimum age requirements, increasing youth quotas, youth focused initiative as enablers of youth involvement.
Som of the participants, including Ugochukwu Okeke, Ifeanyi Ugbaja, and Victory Ekwunife, expressed their gratitude to SIDEC for the empowerment program. They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to promote fact-based information, counter disinformation, and foster a safer online environment in their communities.
