FactCheckAfrica

FactCheck: Viral Claim Linking “Item7” Restaurant to Murder in #KwaraState is False! —Mustapha Lawal Check Out: https://lnkd.in/dwvRKSX4

The Emotional Dangers of Misinformation: A Hidden Crisis —Mustapha Lawal ENGAGE👇 https://lnkd.in/dYVAPbtz

Last month, our ongoing nationwide grassroots fact-checking sensitization initiative reached MMC and Jere LGAs of #BornoState, impacting over 594 citizens in Muna Ethiopa, Ajilari Cross, and Teachers Village communities. Through an engaging and interactive approach, our team educated participants on the importance of verifying information before sharing, and equipped them with practical skills to identify false information effectively. The session began with an in-depth presentation that broke down the concept of misinformation, its far-reaching consequences on society, and the critical role of fact-checking. As the discussion evolved, participants gained insights into how misinformation spreads and how it can be combated, particularly with the support of local tools and technologies designed to facilitate verification. The workshop was highly interactive, allowing participants to practice fact-checking using real-life examples of misinformation that had previously circulated in their communities. They explored AI-powered tools and discovered how these innovations could enhance their ability to discern credible information. To ensure lasting impact, we distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, which provided participants with valuable resources to reference in their everyday lives. By the end of the session, over 85% of attendees reported feeling more equipped to verify information, and 90% expressed a desire for future sessions. The event fostered not only individual empowerment but also a sense of community resilience against the harmful effects of misinformation. To further amplify our message and extend the reach, we were also live on Ndarason 88.5 FM in Maiduguri. Through this radio platform, we engaged with a wider audience across the region, sharing insights on the importance of verifying information before spreading it. With this project, executed in collaboration with the BELA CODE and made possible with support of the International Fact-Checking Network, FactCheckAfrica is not just about education; but about shaping a more informed, vigilant, and unified society ready to stand against the spread of false information. Cc: Kristen Muller, Masato Kajimoto, Shea Driscoll, Florencia Coelho, Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy, Charlie Beckett, Tshepo Tshabalala, Lakshmi Sivadas, Ana Paula Valacco, Zena Achieng, Luminate, Corey Holmes, PhD, Jeffrey Loree, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Robert Opp, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Folarin Oreoluwa Aiyegbusi. #factchecking #misinformation #development

🚀Building Momentum! A sneak peek into Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin’s preparation for our upcoming fact-checking conference on November 14, 2024! We're excited for this opportunity to host discussions on ethical journalism, AI advancements, and the fight against misinformation. Be there to contribute to the conversation that will shape the future of African media. #KwaraPoly #InnovativeJournalism

Ali Isa Musa, one of our stand-out AI Journalism Fellows, recently conducted an impactful training session at Premier Radio 102.7 FM, enlightening their staff on the integration of AI tools in modern journalism. This hands-on session was a testament to how our Fellowship empowers journalists to harness technology for accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting. With plans to reach more leading radio stations, Ali's ongoing work embodies the lasting mission of our program: to shape a future of African journalism grounded in ethics, technology, and resilience. Cc: Ezra Eeman, Kristen Muller, Masato Kajimoto, Shea Driscoll, Florencia Coelho, Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy, Charlie Beckett, Tshepo Tshabalala, Lakshmi Sivadas, Ana Paula Valacco, Zena Achieng, Eva Sow Ebion, Sarah Shirazyan, Chinny Francis, Mercy Ndegwa, Amina Sambo Magaji, Nishant Lalwani, Rachael Bleakley, Sarah Henderson Rosenberg, Robert Opp, Stevie Hamilton, Corey Holmes, PhD, Jeffrey Loree. #AIinJournalism

In a strategic effort to advance media literacy and combat misinformation across #Nigeria, ensuring inclusivity even in the most remote areas, our team recently conducted extensive fact-checking sensitization programs in grassroots communities across Oriire LG of Oyo State. Covering locations such as Alaropo Nla, Elesun Adeosun, Fedegbo/Olokiti, Ikoyi, and Olode Elelu, this initiative was made possible with the support of International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Each session focused on raising awareness about misinformation and equipping participants with practical tools to identify and verify the authenticity of information. Demonstrations of #MyAIFactChecker, our AI-powered tool capable of verifying information in multiple local languages within seconds, were conducted to empower smartphone users and ensure broad accessibility. The impact of this project, carried out in collaboration with the Cedars for Human Welfare Initiative (CEHUWEI) was significant across these communities. At Alaropo Nla, held at the Baale’s palace during a monthly meeting, leaders and residents, including farmers and traders, pledged to incorporate fact-checking into their daily interactions. In Elesun Adeosun, despite weather challenges, participants engaged with enthusiasm, showing interest in verification tools. Sessions at Fedegbo/Olokiti, hosted in local churches, effectively leveraged religious gatherings to foster trust and community-wide discussions on media literacy. The Ikoyi outreach actively engaged residents eager to learn verification techniques. The Olode Elelu event, integrated into the NBC Diaspora Ministry’s annual conference, reached over 400 participants, underlining our commitment to inclusivity, with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), youth, and senior citizens actively involved. To extend our reach, a sensitization program aired on Ajilete FM 92.1, connecting with an estimated audience of over 500,000 people across Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and Ekiti states. The session, which included live call-ins and SMS interactions underscored community responsibility in verifying information. FactCheckAfrica remains dedicated to empowering rural communities with fact-checking knowledge and tools, fostering an environment where accurate information prevails. Together, we advance toward a misinformation-free society. Cc: Ezra Eeman, Kristen Muller, Masato Kajimoto, Shea Driscoll, Florencia Coelho, Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy, Charlie Beckett, Tshepo Tshabalala, Lakshmi Sivadas, Ana Paula Valacco, Zena Achieng, Toyin Akinniyi, Amina Sambo Magaji, Katie Bunten-Wamaru, Rob Sherman, Nishant Lalwani, Matt Cooke, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Folarin Oreoluwa Aiyegbusi, Viktoras Daukšas, Jeffrey Loree, Marie Gilot, Kyle Plantz. #factchecking #misinformation #development

Kicking off the new week with a highlight! Our October newsletter is now live, featuring impactful initiatives and strategic advancements we've made. Your continued support makes it all possible! We’d love your thoughts—check out and share your feedback: https://lnkd.in/dVBK4g-c Cc: Ezra Eeman, Nina Müller, Masato Kajimoto, Shea Driscoll, Florencia Coelho, Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy, Tshepo Tshabalala. #OctoberHighlights #CommunityImpact #AIForGood

As the Head of Programs at FactCheckAfrica, I'm excited to share how our team organized a fully virtual event week to celebrate UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2024. This year’s theme, “The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public-Interest Information,” highlights the impact of emerging tech on public information and the skills needed to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. At FactCheckAfrica we operate at the intersection of literacy and information verification. Our initiatives, like MyAIFactChecker—Africa’s first AI-powered fact-checking tool—equip people to critically assess the information they encounter, fighting misinformation with accurate, researched facts to support informed decision-making. We hosted a webinar anchored by Hafiz Rabiu, featuring Femi D. Amele and Chioma Iruke discussing and focusing on Generative AI's transformative impact and media literacy's vital role, analysing the role of critical thinking in fact-checking. For me one of the key takeaways is that newsrooms can not be solely dependent on AI. It is important to have discussions on AI ethics. You can have a grasps of the discussion via this link: https://t.co/SoG0V4jLXf The X Space hosted by Prudence Emudianughe featured S.I Ohumu, Ali Isa Musa and Gregory Gondwe, PhD with conversations around AI prons and cons, ethical use and the way forward. You can access the discussion via: https://lnkd.in/gpNvGgVC Join us as we take the fact-checking and digital rights gospel to Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin on November 14th, with paternship with the Department of Mass Communication. Olasupo Abideen Mustapha Lawal Habeeb Adewale Tajudeen Darren Linvill Luminate #MILWeek2024 #MediaLiteracy #FactCheckAfrica #DigitalCitizenship #PublicInterestInfo

FACT-CHECK: Did Rivers Governor, Fubara Shutdown NNPCL, Oil Companies as Facebook Users Claim? —Quadri Yahya https://lnkd.in/dSabszGW

ONDO: Race to Alagbaka Government House Intensifies —Oluwafemi Oluwaseye https://lnkd.in/d7VAPnXu