Leyoo Ajeokun
FactCheckAfrica an initiative of the Brain Builders Youths Development Initiatives, BBYDI, has hosted a one-day Fact-Checking Training & Digital Rights Conference, for Mass Communication students at the Federal Polytechnic, in Ado-Ekiti.
The training focused on how to fight misinformation and ensure digital rights.
The conference was supported by FactChecknet and Poynter, saw media and technology experts, academics, civic leaders, and over 1000 students in the training.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Temitope Alake represented by the Deputy Rector, of Administration, Dr. Michael Olabowale Akinola, urged the students to pay rapt attention to the lessons from the event.
Alake also commended Acting Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Adebayo Oguntuase and the organisers, BBYDI’s FactCheckAfrica for equipping young minds with knowledge and tools in driving AI-mediated media practice, at the particular time.
The HOD, Dr. Adebayo Oguntuase in his welcome address said the conference aimed at bridging the gap between the industry and academic.
Oguntuase noted that the department has secured National Broadcasting Commission license to commence Polytechnic Radio to enhance practical knowledge of students.
Speakers at the conference reiterated the need to create an avenue for deepening knowledge of fact-checking and digital rights in an age plagued by misinformation.
Olasupo Abideen, Global Director of BBYDI and Convener of FactCheckAfrica pledged the group’s resolve towards taking the fight against misinformation to all youths in Nigeria and equipping them with the core skills of fact-checking.
Dr Adebola Adeniyi-Agbaje, General Manager of Progress FM, in her keynote address, stated that the world is experiencing increased cases of fake news, which requires more infrastructures like #MyAiFactChecker to ensure standard and verified information.
At the event, the panel session x-rayed with Oyewale Oyelola, Oluwaseun Adepoju, Itunu Adejugbe and Jide Ogunluyi of Fresh FM in Ado-Ekiti discussed how inclusive media leadership could help to effectively fight back against gendered disinformation.
The move is part of FactCheckAfrica’s continuous efforts geared toward equipping young Nigerians with very paramount skills on how to become ethical media practitioners in the shaping of an African truthful reporting future.
The Dean of the School of Business Studies, Dr Jimoh Tijani and Hon. Adesoji Gabriel, SSA New Media to the Ekiti State Governor and other dignitaries graced the event.