US embassy partners Mythos Lab, journalists to combat fake news
To stem the spate of disinformation, misinformation and fake news in Nigeria, the United States Embassy and Mythos Lab is training journalist and contents creators across the nation on fact checking.
US Embassy Public Affairs Counselor, Adnan Saddiqi made this known at the first series in Abuja of a two day training on “Countering Misinformation for Journalists, Media Professionals, Content Creators and Activists”.
Mr Saddiqi said the recent elections held in Nigeria proved that purveyors of disinformation and misinformation were not relenting in misleading the public with content.
According to him, there was an overarching need for journalists to be equipped with requisite skills to counter such information.
Founder and CEO, Mythos Lab, Priyanka Mathur who was a facilitator at the training said the quantity and speed at which fake news travels is alarming making it not only necessary for journalist but every content creator as well to be equipped with the skills of fact checking.
Mr Mathur also urged journalists to ensure the public is enlightened on how to verify the credibility of content before sharing.
The series was launched at the American Corner, Wuse Zone 4 Abuja and will continue at Katsina, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe and Adamawa.
Reporting by Gwamkat Gwamzhi; Editing by Muzha Kucha
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