By Joseph Edegbo
The Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF has rounded off the Community Sensitization on Fact-Checking Misinformation project in two selected heterogeneous Communities in Kaduna South and Kajuru local government areas of Kaduna State.
The advocacy project was of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, funded by the U S A Department of States and supported by Becera.
The advocacy activities which lasted for One month, were taken to Kasuwan Magani and Kurmin Juwa in Kajuru as well as Television Ward and Makera, Kaduna South local government areas.
Women group at Kasuwan Magani
Led by the AMDF’s Executive Director, Mrs Sekyen Dadik, the advocacy team met with the district, ward and village heads who enthusiastically mobilized members of their respective communities.
At various points, the target groups were informed of the prevalence of misinformation and the inherent dangers and the need to curb the menace for peaceful coexistence and development.
They were empowered with simple steps to Check, Verify and Confirm, any information before passing it on.
Spreading of false or misleading information, the communities were informed, could not only sow discord but cause division and disunity.
Instances of several misinformation which had led to crisis or misunderstanding in communities were given.
Some members of the communities applauded the awareness which they observed would build a stable and peaceful society.
They however suggested the setting up of Verifier committees at community or village levels for easy contact should any information capable of causing disaffection is given.
Part of the Sensitization was the distribution of Flyers on the dangers of misinformation in both Hausa and English languages to the communities who pledged to pass on the messages.