Sokoto State Partners UNESCO to Tackle Misinformation and Disinformation, Strengthen Peace
The Sokoto State Government has formally expressed its readiness to partner with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the fight against misinformation and disinformation, describing the initiative as vital to the preservation of peace and stability in the state. This commitment was made by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello-Danchadi, when he received UNESCO’s Coordinator for the Communication and Information Sector, Yachat Nuhu, who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Sokoto. During the meeting, Mr. Bello-Danchadi emphasized that the world is currently experiencing fragile peace, and that information disorder has emerged as one of the most dangerous threats to harmonious coexistence. He pointed out that misinformation and disinformation are not harmless rumours but deliberate tools that can be used to create tension, ignite violence and tear apart communities. The Commissioner stressed that many communities in Nigeria and beyond have lived together peacefully for generations, only to find themselves suddenly divided when false information is deliberately created and circulated to provoke ethnic, religious or communal sentiments. He said the situation has been made even more complex by rapid technological developments, especially the emergence of artificial intelligence, which makes it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish between genuine and fabricated information. In a world saturated with manipulated images, audio and text, he called for greater media and information literacy among the public. Mr. Bello-Danchadi argued that citizens must develop the ability to critically assess information before accepting it or sharing it with others. He warned that not everything that appears plausible or convincing is necessarily true, and that people must be equipped with the skills to verify sources, cross-check facts and question suspicious content before circulating it within their networks. According to him, the increasing volume of digital material and the speed at which it spreads across social media platforms have created an environment where rumour can travel faster than truth, and fake narratives can gain legitimacy simply through repetition. The Commissioner’s remarks underline the growing concern among government officials not only about the immediate impact of false information on public trust, but also about its long-term consequences for social cohesion and democratic governance. He noted that misinformation often targets the most sensitive aspects of identity, including religion, ethnicity and political affiliation, making it particularly dangerous in pluralistic societies. He therefore welcomed the visit by UNESCO and described the organisation as a crucial partner in designing effective strategies to counter the menace. The government’s willingness to engage with UNESCO reflects a broader recognition that the challenge of false information cannot be addressed by any single institution alone, but requires collaboration across government, civil society, media organisations and community leadership. The meeting in Sokoto marks an important step towards building a coordinated response that combines policy, education and grassroots engagement to protect the integrity of the information environment and safeguard the peace that communities have laboured to maintain over many years.
Mr. Bello-Danchadi further explained that the devastating potential of misinformation and disinformation lies in their capacity to manipulate collective emotions and exploit existing fault lines within society. He observed that false narratives are often crafted with the specific intention of turning neighbours against one another, reviving old grievances and undermining trust in institutions. The Commissioner stressed that communities that had coexisted for generations could become engulfed in conflict when malicious actors use digital platforms to amplify divisive messages under the guise of credible reporting. He pointed out that one of the most alarming aspects of the current information environment is the way in which fabricated content can be made to appear authentic through the use of sophisticated editing tools and artificial intelligence technologies. Deepfakes, manipulated audio recordings and doctored photographs are no longer the preserve of professional studios; they can now be produced by anyone with access to commonly available software. This development has made verification far harder and has placed great pressure on citizens to rely on instinct, familiarity or personal loyalty when deciding whether to trust a piece of content. The Commissioner insisted that such an environment cannot support peace, free expression or credible governance, and that urgent action is required at all levels of society. He stressed the need for citizens to develop a critical mindset, noting, “Not everything that appears plausible or convincing is necessarily true.” His message was a direct appeal to ordinary Nigerians, especially those in Sokoto State, to pause before sharing information, to consider the source, and to think carefully about the consequences of spreading unverified content. He also encouraged parents, teachers and community leaders to model responsible information behaviour for young people, who are the most active users of social media and therefore the most vulnerable to false narratives. He said that the state government is committed to creating an environment where media ethics are respected and where journalists and citizens alike are encouraged to prioritise truth over sensationalism. The Commissioner’s comments reflect a growing consensus among policy makers that misinformation and disinformation should be treated as national and global security concerns, not merely as social media annoyances. He therefore called for sustained public awareness campaigns, educational curricula that promote critical thinking, and strong partnerships with trusted institutions, including religious bodies and traditional councils. His reference to artificial intelligence as a complicating factor signals a deeper understanding within government of the digital reality of the twenty-first century, where technological innovation and social disruption are closely intertwined. He concluded that any meaningful strategy to combat information disorder must begin with empowering individuals to become more discerning consumers and responsible sharers of information.
The Commissioner also addressed the dramatic shift in the media landscape, noting that the emergence of social media has fundamentally changed the relationship between information producers and information consumers. In the past, he explained, people regarded radio and television as credible sources of news because of their established standards, editorial oversight and regulatory frameworks. However, the proliferation of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and X has dismantled the traditional gates of broadcasting and allowed any individual to reach a vast audience without editorial review or accountability. While this democratisation of communication has brought many benefits, it has also opened the door to a flood of unverified, misleading and deliberately deceptive content. Mr. Bello-Danchadi said that in the new information environment, the verification of information has become more important than ever, and that citizens can no longer assume that a widely shared post is true simply because it appears in their feed or comes from a trusted contact. He praised UNESCO for identifying traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and the information sector as key gatekeepers whose influence can be harnessed to promote responsible information sharing and peaceful coexistence. According to him, these leaders enjoy the trust and confidence of their communities and are therefore in a unique position to educate citizens on the dangers of misinformation and disinformation. He noted that traditional rulers, in particular, remain highly respected in Sokoto State and across northern Nigeria, and that their endorsement of an information literacy campaign could significantly enhance its reach and credibility. Similarly, religious leaders have the moral authority to speak to their congregations about the ethical dimensions of spreading falsehoods, especially when such actions could incite conflict or damage social harmony. The Commissioner said that political leaders also have a duty to act responsibly by avoiding toxic rhetoric and by correcting false narratives rather than exploiting them for electoral or personal advantage. He also stressed the role of the media itself, urging journalists and broadcasters to adhere strictly to professional standards and to avoid amplifying rumours or unverified claims in the race to break news first. The Commissioner recalled the significant contributions of UNESCO to education, science, culture and development, particularly in developing countries, and described the organisation as an important arm of the United Nations. He noted that UNESCO’s efforts towards promoting peace, education and responsible communication remain highly relevant, especially at a time when societies are confronted with increasing challenges associated with information disorder. He expressed confidence that the emerging partnership between UNESCO and Sokoto State would yield practical results and serve as a model for other states in Nigeria and across Africa.
Earlier, the UNESCO Coordinator for the Communication and Information Sector, Yachat Nuhu, explained that the delegation had come to Sokoto State to engage key stakeholders on UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy initiative. Ms. Nuhu described the initiative as a global effort designed to equip people with the skills and competencies required to access, assess, critically analyse, produce and responsibly share information. She explained that UNESCO considers traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials and other trusted community leaders to be important gatekeepers in every society, and that working with these stakeholders would help promote responsible information management and contribute to peace and stability. According to her, media and information literacy is not only about understanding how the media works; it is also about empowering citizens to question information, to recognise bias, to detect manipulation and to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion. She said that the initiative is particularly important during election periods, when misinformation and disinformation can have serious consequences for peace and social cohesion if not properly addressed. Elections are periods of high tension and political mobilisation, and false information relating to candidates, voting processes or election results can spark violence, undermine confidence in democratic institutions and create lasting divisions within communities. Ms. Nuhu stressed that the skills promoted through media and information literacy are essential for voters, political actors and the media alike, and that all must learn to navigate the information ecosystem responsibly. She added that the Nigerian government, in collaboration with UNESCO, recently launched the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja. She described the institute as an important platform for capacity building and research in the area of media and information literacy, and expressed optimism that it would produce a cadre of trainers, researchers and practitioners who could support national efforts to counter information disorder. Ms. Nuhu emphasised that UNESCO’s interventions are designed to promote peace across education, culture, science and communication, and that peace-building must begin with individuals and communities. She said that although large-scale international programmes and national policies are necessary, the most profound changes often take place at the grassroots level, where peers influence one another through conversation, shared values and everyday actions. The UNESCO coordinator explained that the organisation was in Sokoto State specifically to hold dialogue with traditional and religious leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders on ways to strengthen their capacity to identify, assess and responsibly disseminate information. She expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended by the state government and noted that the conversation had been constructive in identifying local priorities and challenges. She also underscored the importance of adapting global frameworks to local realities, as the information landscape in Sokoto may present particular features that require locally driven solutions. Ms. Nuhu said that UNESCO is committed to providing technical support, training materials and advisory services to help state and community actors design context-responsive interventions that protect the public from harmful falsehoods.
Ms. Nuhu further explained that media and information literacy, as promoted by UNESCO, is a core human right in the digital age, because without the ability to access reliable information and assess it critically, citizens cannot fully participate in democratic life or protect themselves from exploitation. She stated that UNESCO’s approach is not to restrict speech or police content, but rather to build a more responsible communication culture in which individuals are capable of exercising their freedoms with judgement and accountability. This approach is especially relevant in Sokoto State, where cultural norms and religious values place a strong emphasis on truthfulness, integrity and community harmony. By aligning media and information literacy programmes with these existing values, UNESCO hopes to make the case that responsible information sharing is not an external imposition but a natural extension of the community’s own moral commitments. The coordinator said that the organisation is working with educational institutions to integrate media literacy into curricula, but it also recognises the crucial role of non-formal education, including religious sermons, community assemblies and traditional ceremonies. She argued that the trust placed in traditional and religious leaders means that their words can travel deep into communities that may be beyond the reach of official campaigns or digital platforms. Therefore, engaging these leaders is not just an option but a necessity if national and international efforts are to succeed in curbing the harm caused by misinformation and disinformation. She commended Sokoto State for its historic legacy of scholarship and learning, noting that the state has long been a centre of intellectual and religious education in West Africa. This legacy, she said, places Sokoto in a strong position to serve as a leading voice in the promotion of media and information literacy across the country. She also stressed that the fight against misinformation is closely linked to other development priorities, including health, education, and conflict prevention. During public health emergencies, for example, false information about treatment or vaccination can cost lives, while during security crises, rumours can exacerbate panic and hamper the work of security agencies. Addressing these issues requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders, and UNESCO is determined to provide long-term support rather than one-off interventions.
The UNESCO coordinator expressed optimism that the engagement in Sokoto would strengthen collaboration between UNESCO and relevant stakeholders in the state and contribute to enhancing social cohesion, building a more informed, peaceful and resilient society. She noted that every interaction with community leaders provides an opportunity to refine the messaging and ensure that media and information literacy training is culturally appropriate and practically useful. She said that the dialogues planned in Sokoto would focus on concrete tools and approaches that leaders can use in their daily interactions, such as how to fact-check a suspicious message before sharing it, how to identify manipulated images, and how to respond when false information spreads within their networks. These skills, she argued, can transform leaders from passive consumers of information into active guardians of the public interest. Ms. Nuhu also underlined that peace is not simply the absence of violence, but a positive condition built on justice, respect, participation and truthful communication. She said UNESCO’s mandate spans education, science, culture and communication, and that all of these domains have a role to play in nurturing peace and resilience. She praised the Sokoto State Government for taking the threat of misinformation seriously and for choosing to act before a crisis occurs, rather than waiting to respond after social harm has already been caused. The visit, she noted, is part of UNESCO’s broader engagement with Nigerian states and communities to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, as well as the UN strategy on countering disinformation. She also referenced the recent establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja as evidence of Nigeria’s growing commitment to placing information literacy at the centre of national development planning. She expressed hope that Sokoto State would fully tap into the resources and expertise of the institute, and that the state’s participation would inspire neighbouring states to follow suit. In conclusion, Ms. Nuhu reiterated UNESCO’s commitment to walking side by side with Sokoto in this important endeavor. She said that the goal is not merely to stop false information but to create a culture where truthfulness is valued, where questions are welcomed, and where citizens feel empowered to join the search for accurate knowledge. The meeting ended with both parties expressing mutual appreciation and a shared determination to translate the discussion into concrete action. The Sokoto State Government pledged to take immediate steps to raise awareness among local leaders and to integrate media and information literacy into community engagement programmes, while UNESCO promised to provide the necessary technical support and training materials. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the effort to strengthen the resilience of Nigerian communities against the destructive forces of misinformation and disinformation. As technology continues to evolve and new communication tools emerge, the partnership between Sokoto and UNESCO will need to adapt and expand, but the foundation laid today is a solid one. Both sides understand that the fight for peace in the information age begins with the mind, and that no amount of regulation or censorship can replace the judgment of a well-informed, critically thinking citizenry. It is within communities, and through their leaders and institutions, that the values of truth, responsibility and social harmony are either upheld or abandoned. In Sokoto, these values are held in high regard, and UNESCO’s message appears to have found fertile ground. (NAN)
