CEMESO Chief Advocates Digital Resilience In Misinformation Battle

In an impassioned speech delivered at a pivotal training session in Ikeja, Lagos State on Wednesda, June 5,2024, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, emphasized the critical need for digital autonomy and resilience among media professionals, human rights defenders, and content creators. The event, attended by a diverse group of participants previously trained as Trainers of Trainers (TOT) in Ibadan, aimed to tackle the pervasive issues of misinformation and disinformation that threaten the fabric of democracy.

Group Photograph At CEMESO Training session in Ikeja Lagos

Dr. Akingbulu opened his address by highlighting the indispensable role of a free press in a thriving democracy. “Respect for constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the dedication to strong civil societies are the pillars that uphold any vibrant democracy. Central to these principles is a free press; an essential cornerstone without which democracy falters,” he asserted.

The Executive Director of CEMESO acknowledged the attendees’ crucial role in the fight against false information, underscoring that the media serves as the “lifeblood of democratic politics, acting as the guardian of truth, the voice of the voiceless, and the watchdog of those in power.”

The CEMESO training session in Ikeja is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of information disseminated online. This effort is particularly urgent in an era where digital platforms facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, posing significant challenges to public trust and democratic integrity.

“In our digital age, where information spreads rapidly and easily, false narratives can sway public opinion, distort political discourse, and manipulate electoral processes,” Dr. Akingbulu cautioned. He emphasized that combating these threats requires collaborative efforts from governments, media organizations, civil society, and individuals. “By addressing these challenges head-on, democracies can uphold transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas essential for their functioning.”

The training program aims to arm participants with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically. Key topics covered include digital literacy, understanding misinformation and disinformation, critical thinking and digital content evaluation, and strategies for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of information.

CEMESO Executive Director urged participants to fully engage with the training content despite the challenge of condensing it into a single day. “We understand that it is really challenging to squeeze our training content into one day. Therefore, I charge you to pay utmost attention to get the best out of the time we have,” he advised.

The initiative also focuses on building digital resilience through practical measures such as digital security training, the use of secure communication tools, risk assessment, collaboration networks, legal protections, anonymity measures, and security audits. Dr. Akingbulu highlighted the various threats faced by media professionals, including legal harassment, online censorship, surveillance, cyberattacks, harassment, and smear campaigns. These challenges, he noted, “may seek to undermine our resolve, but they only serve to strengthen our commitment to the principles we hold dear.”

He concluded his address with a call to action, urging participants to remain steadfast in their dedication to media independence, freedom of expression, and access to information. “The power of truth transcends the barriers of falsehood. Together, let us forge ahead, undeterred and unwavering, in our pursuit of a world where the free flow of information remains the cornerstone of democracy,” Dr. Akingbulu proclaimed.

As the training session concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of strategies to combat the ever-present threats of misinformation and disinformation.

This event marks another step in the ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of information and uphold the democratic ideals that are vital to a just and informed society.