By Abubakar Yunusa
Ahead of the Edo and Ondo state gubernatorial elections, the Centre for Democracy and Development(CDD ),has trained journalists in the use of Meedan tools to counter election disinformation.
Meedan is a technology that builds an open-source software platform for fact-checking and content annotation. It also runs a service that brings together public health professionals’ concepts on request for journalists, fact-checking organizations, and media outlets.
In his welcome remarks, CDD fact-checking lead, Mr. Armsfree Ajanaku, said, “Our focus is on how to use an innovative tool known as Meedan Check to enhance our efforts in countering disinformation.”
He added that , “As journalists and professionals with the responsibility to inform the public, we cannot underestimate the threat posed by misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation and disinformation work in scattered and disorganized ways to undermine robust participation in key activities, which are at the heart of the process of consolidating democracy.”
According to him , the scale of the challenge is massive, and no single stakeholder working alone can effectively address a challenge of this scale.
“Only yesterday, we saw how even official communication from the highest office in the land could result in the misinformation of citizens.
“There is a plethora of other instances that make it imperative for us as journalists and information managers to be vigilant and circumspect when we share information.”
Speaking further, he explained that disinformation and every other form of information disorder are capable of sparking chain reactions, which could either lead to a breakdown of law and order or distrust in democratic institutions. Disinformation could be the reason voters stay away completely from casting their ballots in elections.
“As we build up to the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo State, scheduled for September 21 and November 16, 2024, therefore, CDD strongly believes in working closely with the media to counter disinformation in all its ramifications. It is to start the process of achieving this goal that we are hosting this Breakfast Session on the Meedan tool.
“We similarly look forward to your support in helping to publicize the Meedan tool by letting the public know they can report claims through Meedan Check, and those claims will be verified in a timely manner,” he said.
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