Sokoto Gov’t, UNESCO partner to tackle misinformation, promote peace 

Sokoto Gov’t, UNESCO partner to tackle misinformation, promote peace

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi, has called for stronger collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to combat misinformation and disinformation and promote peace and social cohesion in the state.

The Commissioner made the call when the Coordinator, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO Abuja, Hajiya Yachat Nuhu, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

Alhaji Danchadi said the world was currently facing a fragile peace situation, noting that misinformation and disinformation had become major factors capable of creating tension, division and conflict among individuals and communities.

He observed that communities that had lived together peacefully for generations could suddenly become divided when false information was deliberately created and circulated to provoke ethnic, religious or communal sentiments.

According to him, the situation has been further complicated by rapid technological developments, particularly the emergence of artificial intelligence, which has made it increasingly difficult for members of the public to distinguish between genuine and fabricated information.

The Commissioner stressed the need for citizens to develop the ability to critically assess information before accepting or sharing it, noting that not everything that appears possible or convincing is necessarily true.

He said the emergence of social media had significantly changed the information environment, explaining that while people traditionally regarded information from radio and television as credible, the proliferation of social media platforms had made the verification of information more important than ever.

Alhaji Danchadi commended UNESCO for identifying traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and the information sector as key gatekeepers whose influence could be harnessed to promote responsible information sharing and peaceful coexistence.

He said these leaders enjoy the trust and confidence of their communities and could play a significant role in educating citizens on the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.

The Commissioner recalled the significant contributions of UNESCO to education, science, culture and development, particularly in developing countries, describing the organisation as an important arm of the United Nations.

He noted that UNESCO’s efforts towards promoting peace, education and responsible communication remained relevant, especially at a time when societies were confronted with increasing challenges associated with information disorder.

Alhaji Danchadi assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with UNESCO in sensitising the public and strengthening media and information literacy in Sokoto State.

Earlier, the Coordinator, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO Abuja, Yachat Nuhu, said the delegation was in Sokoto to engage key stakeholders on UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy initiative.

Nuhu also explained that UNESCO considers traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials and other trusted community leaders as important gatekeepers in every society.

She said UNESCO believes that working with these stakeholders would help promote responsible information management and contribute to peace and stability.

According to her, Media and Information Literacy provides individuals with the skills and competencies required to access, assess, critically analyse, produce and responsibly share information.

She said the initiative was particularly important during the election period, when misinformation and disinformation could have serious consequences for peace and social cohesion if not properly addressed.

Nuhu disclosed that the Nigerian Government, in collaboration with UNESCO, had recently launched the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, describing it as an important platform for capacity building and research in the area of media and information literacy.

She said UNESCO’s interventions were designed to promote peace across education, culture, science and communication, stressing that peace-building must begin with individuals and communities.

She explained that the organisation was in Sokoto to dialogue with traditional and religious leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders on ways to strengthen their capacity to identify, assess and responsibly disseminate information.

 Nuhu expressed optimism that the engagement would strengthen collaboration between UNESCO and relevant stakeholders in Sokoto State and contribute to building a more informed, peaceful and resilient society.