30 Journalists from Print and Broadcast Media Participate in the Comprehensive Workshop
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), in collaboration with the German Embassy, has organised a three-day training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian journalists with the essential skills and tools to combat misinformation and enhance fact-checking practises. This comprehensive workshop, which began on Tuesday, 10th of October, 2023, and concludes on the 13th, welcomed 30 journalists representing both print and broadcast media outlets from across Nigeria at the country’s capital, Abuja.
Misinformation and disinformation have become significant challenges in today’s information landscape, affecting public discourse and the integrity of news. Recognising the need to address these issues, ICIR and the German Embassy joined hands to empower Nigerian journalists with the expertise to counter falsehoods and uphold the standards of responsible journalism.
The training program covered a wide array of topics and practical exercises, including:
1. Identifying Misinformation: Journalists learned how to recognise various forms of misinformation, from misleading statistics to false claims and fake news.
2. Fact-Checking Techniques: Participants received hands-on training in fact-checking methodologies, utilising credible sources, and debunking false narratives.
3. Ethical Journalism: The importance of adhering to ethical standards in reporting and dissemination of information was emphasized to ensure journalists act as reliable sources of accurate news.
4. Verification Tools: The workshop introduced journalists to a range of digital tools and resources to aid fact-checking processes.
5. Collaboration and Networking: Journalists were encouraged to work collaboratively and build a network of fact-checkers across Nigeria to strengthen the fight against misinformation.
The three-day event featured expert trainers and speakers, including seasoned journalists, fact-checkers, and communication professionals who shared their knowledge and experiences in countering misinformation.
Mr. Silas, one of the lead trainers, expressed his optimism about the impact of the workshop and positioned that Misinformation has the potential to erode trust and distort public perception. By equipping journalists with the skills to effectively counter misinformation, we are safeguarding the integrity of journalism and empowering the public to make informed decisions.
The collaboration between ICIR and the German Embassy underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges such as misinformation. The German Embassy has been actively supporting media development and freedom of the press in Nigeria and other nations posited by representative of the embassy Mr. Matthias Dold.
In the opening ceremony, Mr. Matthias Dold, a representative from the German Embassy, commended the commitment of Nigerian journalists and expressed their continued support for initiatives aimed at upholding journalistic integrity and fostering the free flow of accurate information.
The training has positioned these 30 journalists as informed, skilled fact-checkers and guardians against the dissemination of false information. As they return to their respective newsrooms, they are expected to play a crucial role in upholding the principles of responsible journalism and ensuring that the Nigerian public receives accurate, reliable, and unbiased information.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of ICIR, Opeyemi Kehinde highlighted the significance of the training to the journalist, the society, and the media organisations involved, which will contribute to information orderliness in the society, and enjoined the participants to embark on cascading the knowledge to their colleagues at work for the expansion of the art of fact-checking in the Nigerian media space.
