By: Faith Akumegbulem
In a bold move to combat the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, the Imo State Government, in collaboration with Africa Check, organized a seminar titled “Intergenerational Dialogue: Amplifying Youth Voices and Accelerating Action Against Misinformation and Disinformation.” The event brought together key stakeholders, including legal experts, media professionals, and public officials, to explore the role of truth in media and governance.
In his opening remarks, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, emphasized that the initiative was a non-partisan effort driven by a genuine concern for public safety and the integrity of information shared across platforms. “One of the reasons for this seminar is to encourage the media to prioritize truth and accuracy in their reporting,” he said.
Nwaogwugwu referenced the recent incident in Ehime Mbano, where the National Open University facility was set ablaze due to misinformation. He cited it as a stark reminder of the destructive power of fake news and the urgent need for responsible journalism.
Legal insights were provided by Ngozi Chuma-Umeh, Associate Professor of Law at Imo State University. She dissected the legal implications of false information and highlighted existing regulatory frameworks. “He who alleges must prove,” she noted, underscoring the importance of evidence-based reporting. “While the internet has brought immense benefits, it must be safeguarded,” she warned, referring to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows certain restrictions on free expression to protect public order and national security.
Chuma-Umeh urged journalists and content creators to be reflective before publishing. “Fact-checking must become a habit,” she said. “The law is clear—false information is not only unethical but punishable.”
Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Governance, Chimezie Amadi, traced the rise of misinformation to the over-liberalization of digital platforms. “Today, anyone can post anything without consequence, and that’s the danger of unchecked digital transformation,” he said. He warned that if left unaddressed, the spread of false information could destabilize human systems by the end of the century.
Ife Onyegbule, Director-General of the Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), added that media professionals are increasingly overwhelmed by information overload. “The volume of unverified content makes it difficult to discern truth,” she said. Onyegbule also criticized the hiring practices of some media outlets that entrust their social media platforms to untrained personnel, leading to the unchecked dissemination of falsehoods. “Investing in staff training is crucial. It’s one of the most effective ways to combat misinformation.”
The seminar concluded with a collective call to action: truth must be upheld, and media platforms must take responsibility for the information they share. To also ensure that the image and reputation of the state and Nigeria is protected. As it is , fake News can obstruct the economic growth and development of a state or Country.
