In a bid to curb the rising spread of fake news and misinformation in the age of social media, a media literacy workshop has been held by the MILID Foundation in collaboration with the Anambra State Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The workshop, which gathered youths, media professionals, and academics, focused on equipping young people and youth organizations with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to identify and resist misinformation online.
Executive Director of the MILID Foundation, Chiamaka Okafor, stated that the initiative is aimed at empowering young people to use social media responsibly and to develop the mental discipline to verify information before sharing it. She stressed the importance of nurturing discerning minds to combat the growing threat of digital misinformation.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, highlighted how the digital era has drastically changed global communication, allowing individuals to reach vast audiences with just a smartphone. He warned against the spread of pornographic and misleading content, asserting that the accomplishments of the Anambra State Government remain visible and not defined by political propaganda.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at Paul University, Awka, emphasized that while social media has changed how information is shared, the traditional media continues to uphold ethical standards in news dissemination. She urged media users to remain cautious of fake news and to verify sources before sharing information.
Also speaking, the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr Albert Mendy, represented by Yachat Nuhu, said that promoting media literacy among youths is key to advancing freedom of speech, protecting human rights, and fostering peaceful societies.
The event also featured a drama presentation, certificate awards to participants, and contributions from media experts and scholars.
