IPC Trains Journalists on Fact-Checking to Combat Fake News Ahead of Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi Polls

• The International Press Centre (IPC) initiates fact-checking training for 80 journalists to enhance electoral information accuracy in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states
• The iVerify project, supported by UNDP, equips journalists with skills to combat fake news and promote responsible journalism

In preparation for the upcoming governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, the International Press Centre (IPC) has initiated a training program for approximately 80 journalists representing print, electronic, and online media outlets. The focus of this training is on fact-checking to enhance the credibility of electoral information and promote accurate reporting of the electoral processes.

This fact-checking workshop marks the initiation of the iVerify project by IPC, based in Lagos, Nigeria, with support from the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP).

The training commenced with the participation of 27 male and female journalists from Kogi State in the first phase, held in Abuja, FCT, on October 27 and 28. Currently, another group of 27 journalists from Bayelsa State is undergoing the workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Additionally, 27 journalists from Imo State are scheduled to receive training later in the week.

Mr. Matthew Alao, the Team Lead for Governance, Peace, and Security at UNDP Nigeria, emphasized during the commencement of training for the Bayelsa State participants that electoral disinformation and the proliferation of fake news pose significant threats to citizens’ access to accurate information during electoral processes, thereby undermining democracy.

IPC’s Programme Manager, Mrs. Stella Nwofia, explained that the iVerify project enables IPC to fulfill its mission of promoting responsible journalism by adopting best practices, particularly in ensuring the factual accuracy of news. The primary objective of the training is to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance the integrity of information concerning the electoral processes in their respective states. This includes aspects such as election campaigns, the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and post-election democratic accountability and governance matters.

Furthermore, the workshops aim to enhance the journalists’ proficiency in using fact-checking tools to combat the dissemination of false information during the election period. Additionally, the training introduces them to the workings of the iVerify system and their potential roles in the process.

In summary, the IPC’s fact-checking training program is pivotal in equipping journalists with the essential skills to verify information, promote accuracy, and combat the spread of fake news, particularly during the electoral season in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.