Media Experts Urge Fact-Checking to Combat Misinformation

On Tuesday in Abuja, media professionals gathered to advocate for fact-checking as a means to combat misinformation, particularly in the digital age. The event was organized by NOIPOL, which conducts country-specific polls across West Africa to gather insights into public opinion.

Chime Nwangwu, the Chief Executive Officer of NOIPOL, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting in an era where unverifiable narratives can influence national discourse. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala established NOIPOL to provide credible data reflecting citizen opinion and support evidence-based policymaking.

Professor Abiodun Adeniyi warned of the dangers of unchecked public sentiment, citing historical examples of propaganda manipulation, including the influence of Adolf Hitler during World War II. The event underscored the urgent need for journalists to uphold ethical standards and prioritize truth in their reporting, especially as misinformation spreads rapidly through social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp.