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The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has trained 40 journalists on fact-checking, verification techniques, and ethical reporting standards amid growing concerns about disinformation and misinformation.
Speaking during the two-day capacity-building training for journalists in Katsina, Ahmad Aluko, CDD training facilitator, said the exercise was necessary because journalists play a critical role in shaping public perception.
“We believe that the work of journalists in the information ecosystem is crucial, especially in this age of disinformation,” he said.
Aluko explained that the initiative aims to address the growing impact of misinformation and disinformation, stressing that strengthening journalists’ capacity in fact-checking and ethical reporting is essential, as the media remains a major stakeholder in the information ecosystem.
“This activity is very important because journalists are major stakeholders in how information circulates in society,” he added.
He expressed optimism that the training would lead to more responsible journalism across the state.
“What we expect going forward is that journalists will take precautions in carrying out their duties and ensure that all claims are verified before publication,” Aluko said.
Participants were taught that misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared without the intent to deceive or cause harm, while disinformation involves false or inaccurate information deliberately shared to deceive or manipulate, including fabricated content, propaganda, hoaxes, and election-related disinformation.
They were therefore advised not to undermine public trust, noting that false narratives spread faster than verified news, and that ethical lapses can escalate tension and violence in society. The participants were also encouraged to use verification tools to determine the accuracy of information before publication or after claims are made.
