Journalists Urged to Combat Information Disorder

By Oluwabukola Kuteyi

Journalists in Southwest Nigeria have been advised to combat information disorder and uphold credible reporting through fact-checking tools.

In a recently concluded two-day training organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) at Alagbaka Akure, journalists were educated to embrace the Freedom Of Information (FOI) Act with the necessary skills to combat information disorder.

The workshop, which focused on the theme of "Credible Election and Democratic Governance," saw the participation of journalists from various media outlets across several States.

Addressing the issue of information disorder in democratic governance, the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, emphasized the importance of fact-checking in journalism, urging journalists to always distinguish between factual information, stereotypes or preconceived notions. 

Arogundade stressed the role of journalists in clarifying misconceptions and biases to ensure accurate reporting and to combat fake news.

He underscored the dangers of relying on stereotypes and unchecked information, encouraging journalists to verify facts diligently to counter misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information collectively termed as 'fake news.'

He stressed the pivotal role and critical mindset of journalists in influencing society positively through their verified and credible reporting.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Guardian Newspaper, Martins Oloja highlighted the significance of FOI Acts in enabling journalists to hold public authorities accountable and combat corruption. 

Oloja noted that the journalist's role in investigating democratic governance issues and ensuring transparency and adherence to rules by regulatory bodies and authorities is pivotal in society.

He further advised reporters to maintain consistency and diligence in election coverage. "Elections are a process rather than a one-time event, journalists must adhere to FOI Acts to access relevant information and hold government officials accountable," said Oloja.

In partnership with the European Union, the workshop provided these journalists with valuable insights and tools to combat information disorder, uphold credible reporting standards, and promote transparency and accountability in democratic governance.

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INTERVIEW: 'I'll partner with female-concern organisations for development'–TEMMIEROSE

Miss Rotimi Temitope Roseline, also known as Temmierose, currently holds the position of Vice President at Adekunle Ajasin University Students' Union (AAUASU) and is now aiming to become the Chairperson of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN) Ondo State chapter. In an exclusive interview with SOPHIE ADINLEWA, Temmierose shared her motivations for seeking the role and her vision for the future if elected.

What motivated you to run for this post?

My motivation for the post has to do with my passion for public speaking and sanitizing the female mostly, especially the younger generation (teens). Growing up wasn’t easy for me, and I strive. If I can do it, I feel they can do more. This is just an avenue to give back to society.

How has your current office as the AAUA Students' Union Vice President helped build you for this post you're aspiring to?

I was inaugurated into office on the 23rd of May as the AAUASU Vice President. It’s really amazing gaining experience like how to manage people. Controlling over 5,000 adults and youth is not a small task. I have learned a lot of leadership skills. I have got to know that being in power is different from being a leader.

Do you think you are uniquely qualified to serve in this role?

I have served at various levels, and I have proven to make a difference in every post I have served. AAUA is a living example. Through my office, I organized a learning skills avenue for the students, where they were taught blogging and graphic design without getting a dime from the union purse. We partnered with initiatives like (Dakis). My office also organized a symposium where different business experts were invited. If I am given this opportunity, I will do more.

What were your experiences with campaigns and challenges so far regarding the forthcoming NFSAN election?

My campaign journey has been good, but more engaging and allowed me to meet other comrades from different schools within Ondo State. I trust the CPC members to give a free and fair election. I am confident that by the grace of God and the will of the people, I will emerge.

What do you hope to accomplish if you win this position?

If I emerge, I will enlighten the association about its responsibility as a female association within Ondo State and also partner with organizations that have female concerns at heart to encourage them and enlighten them to discover themselves as women and also create opportunities and avenues for a better future. Providing educational materials to secondary schools and giving the association more publicity.

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AAUA VC Extends Support to Newly-Elected SOSSA Executives

By Our Reporter

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, (AAUA) Professor Olugbenga Ige, has expressed warm support for the newly-elected executives of the Social Sciences Students Association (SOSSA).

A statement signed by the SOSSA President-elect, Ojo Cosmos Olayemi (King Billz), revealed that Prof. Ige emphasized his commitment to assisting the newly elected leaders in their roles.

During a courtesy visit to the VC's office today, the executives were encouraged to maintain enthusiasm for serving the faculty.

The VC also addressed concerns raised by the President-elect regarding the cleanliness of the faculty, assuring immediate action to reinforce cleanliness measures.

The mission statement reads: "COURTESY RENDEZVOUS: EXECUTIVES OF THE FACULTY MEET WITH THE VICE CHANCELLOR, PROF. OLUGBENGA IGE."

"The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, warmly welcomed the newly elected executives to his office with gracious courtesy and paternal affection.

"During the discussion with the Vice Chancellor, he expressed genuine delight at the executives' victories and their commitment to serving the faculty, encouraging them to maintain their enthusiasm. Additionally, we took the opportunity to extend our congratulations and best wishes to him for his recent birthday.

"The President, President-Elect (King Bilz), demonstrated decorum and respect while seeking the Vice Chancellor's assistance in improving the cleanliness of our faculty by providing additional cleaners. Without hesitation, the Vice Chancellor assured swift action, directing the necessary office to implement the decision immediately. By Monday, 19th of February, the faculty's cleanliness will be reinforced by the appropriate authorities.

"E-Signed: Comr. OJO COSMOS OLAYEMI KING BILLZ SOSSA PRESIDENT-ELECT..."

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ASUU AAUA Gives Indigent Students Annual Scholarship

By Emmanuel Oluwadola

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter has emphasized its focus on providing scholarships exclusively to indigent students through its annual scholarship scheme.

Students of the institution, Oseni Damilare from the Department of Educational Management and Oladapo Oluwaseun from the Department of Linguistics and Languages received a cheque of N200,000 each from the union, presented by Prof. C. O. Daramola (DVC Admin) and Prof. Yomi Dinakin.

In an exclusive interview with ECHO MEDIA, ASUU AAUA chairman, Associate Professor Boluwaji Oshodi, highlighted the humanitarian nature of the initiative, aimed at aiding students facing financial difficulties.

Boluwaji stressed that the primary goal of the scholarship is to encourage indigent and verified students across all public universities in the country.

"It is an annual event by ASUU to award scholarships to students. This year's session was particularly noteworthy as we expanded the scope from one to two students and increased the scholarship amount from N100,000 to N200,000 per student.

"All public universities in Nigeria awarded at least N400,000 to two indigent students, and we followed suit at Adekunle Ajasin University. That's the essence," he explained.

Regarding other educational initiatives by ASUU to enhance student performance, Boluwaji mentioned ongoing efforts to engage in dialogue with federal and state governments for proper representation and fostering positive relationships for students.

"Considering the current state of education, ASUU is actively working towards improvement. Education is largely controlled by the government, which is why we've been engaging in discussions with them.

"ASUU has proposed various initiatives, such as advocating for grants instead of loans for students. We believe grants would better support our students. Additionally, we have established the ASUU and Students Relationship Committee to foster positive interactions with our students," said the ASUU AAUA chairman.

He further explained that through self-talk sessions, seminars, and educational activities, ASUU is striving to enhance student performance, promote responsibility, and ensure students understand their rights and duties.

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Echo Media Alumni Selected for IPC Fact-Checking Training

By Daniel Akinte

Two alumni of Echo Media have been chosen to participate in a two-day fact-checking training program organized by the International Press Centre (IPC).

Boluwatife Adedokun and Oluwabukola Kuteyi, recent graduates of Mass Communication from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, will be joining other selected participants for the Southwest training today.

The training, focusing on fact-checking information disorder in democratic governance, will take place at the Royal Birds Hotel and Towers in Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State.

Adedokun, the former health editor of Echo Media, expressed her excitement about being selected, emphasizing her passion for ensuring accurate information dissemination in the age of social media.

"I applied late, just an hour before the form closed, but I'm delighted to be among the 40 participants selected for the Southwest," she said.

She added, "I'm thrilled to contribute to combating misinformation and promoting fact-based journalism. Fact-checking is crucial in today's media landscape, and I want to be part of ensuring people have access to reliable information."

Discussing her expectations for the training, she hopes to deepen her understanding of fact-checking processes, learn from experienced fact-checkers, and expand her network in the field.

Similarly, Kuteyi, a former member of Echo Media, expressed her interest in the fact-checking training after attending a previous program conducted by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) in late 2023.

"I learned a lot during the ICIR workshop and wanted to further my knowledge by applying for the IPC training," she said.

Kuteyi emphasized her readiness to learn and gain exposure to fact-checking techniques and the use of Freedom of Information (FOI) tools for accurate information dissemination.

She highlighted the importance of fact-checking in ensuring the originality and trustworthiness of published work, giving an edge to media outlets that prioritize verifying information.

The capacity-building training, supported by the European Union under Component 4: Support to Media of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGNII) project, aims to strengthen media reporting on electoral processes and elections, promoting fairness, accuracy, ethics, and inclusivity.

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