Speaking at the opening of the two-day training titled “Project Fact Check Nigeria”, organised by the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) and supported by the United States Consulate General, Lagos, its Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Stephen Ibelli, said the initiative was to promote media literacy and help radio stations to conduct a full-fledged fact-checking in order to fight fake news in Nigeria.
Ibelli explained that fact-checking was necessary to ensure that the media sustain and maintain credibility in Nigeria as the fourth estate of the realm, urging that journalists strive to correct misinformation and the tide of fake news stories in the public domain.
Responding, the General Manager, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Mr. Jide Lawal commended the Consulate for its continuous enthusiasm on capacity development of media organisations.
He noted that the partnership with the Consulate would enhance the performance of staff and stimulate access to training opportunities in the United States.
Lawal sought more cooperation and support from the Consulate, pledging that Radio Lagos/Eko FM would make good use of the media equipment donated to the organisation.
Meanwhile, the staffers of Radio Lagos/Eko FM are beneficiaries of the ongoing training of journalists by the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) to enhance their performance on methods of correcting misinformation and fake news.
The Executive Director, WABMA, Mr. Jika Attoh, said the training centred around Fact-Checking, Investigative Journalism, Data Journalism, and is powered by the United States Consulate General, Lagos.
Attoh noted that the training was designed to equip and expose journalists to skills that would help in delivering balanced and unbiased reportage, adding that a properly fact-checked report or story would enable the citizens to make the right decisions on issues and policies.
Also speaking, the Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General, Lagos, Mr. Stephen Ibelli, said the training was expected to deepen the practice of credible journalism and fact-checking among practitioners, envisaging that the training will benefit journalists in curtailing the spread of fake news.
Ibelli urged participants to go the extra mile while practising their professions, as reporters are meant to distinguish rumours from the truth.
Four staff of Radio Lagos/Eko FM, as well two staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, are amongst participants at the two-day training exercise.
