The European Union (EU) in Nigeria and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have unveiled a programme aimed at tackling disinformation and promoting democratic values in Northwestern Nigeria.

The initiative, titled “Countering Disinformation and Empowering Democracy in Northwestern Nigeria,” is being implemented in partnership with West Africa Network for Peacebuilding and Arewa24 to strengthen media literacy, information integrity, and peaceful coexistence across communities.

The programme seeks to train journalists, teachers, community leaders, and citizens on how to identify and counter misinformation and false narratives, particularly in conflict-prone areas.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday in Sokoto, Political Officer with the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Xenia Sol, said the initiative reflects the European Union’s commitment to supporting peace, democracy, and stability in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

She warned that misinformation and disinformation remain major threats capable of inciting fear, violence, and social instability.

According to her, the EU is partnering with institutions and grassroots organisations to improve access to credible information and help communities resist harmful narratives.

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“This issue is important because false information can negatively affect societies and democratic institutions,” she said.

Also speaking, Executive Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the programme became necessary due to the growing spread of fake information in communities facing insecurity and conflict.

He noted that unverified social media content often fuels panic, reprisals, and distrust among citizens.

Oluwafemi explained that the project would collaborate with schools, radio stations, journalists, and community leaders to promote fact-checking and critical thinking among the public.

“When people consume harmful information, it affects society the same way unhealthy food affects the body,” he said.

In his remarks, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, Umaru Pate, stressed the importance of credible information in sustaining democracy, peacebuilding, and national development.

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He said citizens must develop the ability to verify information amid the growing influence of digital media and artificial intelligence-driven content.

He warned that the rapid expansion of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and online communication has exposed citizens to overwhelming volumes of information, making many vulnerable to manipulation.

“Poisonous information ultimately affects human behaviour and undermines peaceful coexistence”

Pate, a Professor of Media and Society, noted that poverty, insecurity and social vulnerabilities have further complicated Nigeria’s information environment, making media literacy and information verification more critical than ever.

He said organisations like CJID have a responsibility to equip citizens with the skills and tools needed to identify and counter misinformation, disinformation and other harmful content.

According to him, democracy cannot thrive without credible and quality information.

“Quality information depends on credible sources and responsible dissemination. Citizens must be empowered to determine the kind of information they consume and how it shapes their opinions,” he said.