Here is the summary of the event reported as a news article:
With Nigeria approaching critical electoral milestones, including the Osun governorship race and the 2027 general elections, the need for robust information integrity has never been more urgent. To address this, the founder of FactCheckAfrica, Abideen Olasupo, recently spearheaded a strategic workshop in Lagos aimed at fortifying the capabilities of journalists and civil society actors. Titled “Truth at the ballot: Strengthening media and civil society for democratic and peaceful elections in Nigeria,” the initiative sought to equip participants with the essential skills required to identify, verify, and effectively counteract the surge of harmful information that often threatens the stability of the electoral process.
Olasupo emphasized that the current digital landscape is marred by increasingly sophisticated misinformation campaigns, coordinated influence operations, and virulent online hate speech. He argued that these threats demand a more cohesive synergy between journalists, dedicated fact-checkers, and civil society organizations. By building a network of professionals committed to evidence-based public discourse, the initiative aims not only to bolster democratic accountability but also to actively contribute to the sustenance of peaceful and transparent elections across the country.
The workshop featured intensive training modules designed to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem. Participants delved into pre-electoral context analysis, cutting-edge verification methodologies, and the application of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). Notably, the sessions explored the dual-edged nature of AI-assisted verification tools, which offer significant benefits for investigative journalism while simultaneously creating risks through the proliferation of synthetic media and automated misinformation. Attendees also focused on gender-sensitive reporting, investigative techniques, and strategies for maintaining journalistic safety in volatile electoral climates.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, participants highlighted that digital platforms have evolved into central battlegrounds where unchecked narratives can rapidly suppress voter participation and erode public confidence in democratic institutions. The consensus among the experts was that addressing “information disorder” requires more than just technical precision; it necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving ethical journalism, aggressive media literacy programs, and heightened institutional accountability. History has shown that when left unchecked, misinformation and hate speech are primary catalysts for political tension and democratic decline.
In a formal communiqué issued at the conclusion of the event, stakeholders outlined a roadmap for future action. Key recommendations include the institutionalization of verification desks within media houses and the integration of media literacy into broader governance programs by civil society. Furthermore, the participants called upon international development partners to provide consistent long-term support and mentorship to local organizations. By fostering deeper collaboration between electoral stakeholders and credible fact-checking bodies, the participants expressed hope that future elections in Nigeria could be safeguarded against the eroding effects of disinformation.
The workshop was organized by the Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP) in partnership with FactCheckAfrica, under the broader European Union Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project. Through this collaboration, FIAP and its partner, GIZ, are working to reinforce electoral processes by preventing violence and combating harmful narratives throughout West Africa. This multi-donor initiative, backed by the European Union, Germany, and Denmark, underscores the global recognition that stable, truthful information is the bedrock of democratic resilience and regional peace.
