🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Media and CSOs launch #CheckBeforeYouPost campaign to combat fake news ahead of Nigerian elections
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Journalists, fact-checkers, and civil society organizations have initiated a nationwide #CheckBeforeYouPost campaign to combat misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in anticipation of the Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. This resolution emerged from a three-day regional capacity-building workshop in Lagos, organized by Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas in partnership with FactCheckAfrica, under the European Union Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance Project. Participants, including media professionals and digital rights advocates from the South-West and South-East geopolitical zones, highlighted that false information on digital platforms can influence voter behavior and erode confidence in electoral processes. They noted that women, young people, persons with disabilities, and minority groups are particularly vulnerable to online harassment and hate speech during elections. The communiqué also acknowledged that while Artificial Intelligence offers opportunities, it presents risks through synthetic media and automated misinformation campaigns. Participants committed to strengthening verification practices, promoting evidence-based journalism, and integrating fact-checking into newsroom and advocacy processes. They plan to use Open-Source Intelligence, reverse image searches, geolocation techniques, and AI-assisted verification tools. The campaign encourages Nigerians to v
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
A video of a corn seller claiming to earn N2.5 million monthly has gone viral, igniting discussions across social media platforms in Nigeria. The short clip, shared on X, shows the seller stating her monthly income, leading to mixed reactions. Many Nigerians questioned the feasibility of such earnings, with some users performing calculations to dispute the claim, while others suggested possibilities like multiple business branches. Concerns were also raised about the potential security risks the publicity could pose to the seller. This social media debate follows recent remarks by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who encouraged Nigerian women to engage in low-capital businesses like corn roasting, suggesting they could benefit from grants. Her comments had previously drawn criticism for seemingly downplaying economic hardships. President Bola Tinubu and his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, defended the First Lady's statements, highlighting broader government empowerment initiatives. The discussion around petty trading and economic empowerment has since extended beyond social media, even appearing in a university examination at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate has defended its passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration State Police Bill, 2026, stating that 84 out of 109 senators voted in favor during clause-by-clause consideration. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified that the bill resulted from years of consultations, public hearings, and engagements with various stakeholders, including the Executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Nigeria Police leadership. He dismissed claims of partisan interests, highlighting that opposition legislators participated actively. Bamidele noted that public hearings in July 2025 across the six geopolitical zones showed overwhelming support for state police. He argued that the current security system is overstretched and that the proposed amendment clearly defines responsibilities for federal and state police to prevent conflicts. Federal police would handle national security matters, while state police would enforce state laws and maintain public order. The bill includes safeguards against abuse by governors, such as requiring National Police Council recommendations and two-thirds majority approval from the relevant state House of Assembly for police commissioner appointments. A State Police Service Commission would independently regulate state police operations, and federal intervention would only occur under specific conditions like a breakdown of public order or threats to national security.
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