SIDEC Trains Ambassadors to Combat Fake News, Hate Speech in Anambra
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has trained 30 Community Truth Ambassadors to address the growing spread of disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and hate speech, which pose significant threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
The training session, which took place in Awka, Anambra State, was organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) under Project IMPACT: Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation.
SIDEC’s Executive Director, Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike, emphasized that Project IMPACT is focused on empowering citizens, civil society organizations, government officials, media professionals, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and community leaders with the essential knowledge and tools to counter harmful narratives.
“Today’s event marks an important step towards building a strong network of Community Truth Ambassadors—grassroots leaders who will fact-check, counter misinformation, and help create safer, more inclusive civic spaces,” she said.
Ehiahuruike further explained that the training aimed to strengthen participants’ ability to identify, verify, and refute false information,Promote digital literacy and fact-checking skills among a wide range of stakeholders, and stablish a sustainable network of grassroots fact-checkers.
She also highlighted that the programme would be especially beneficial to women and PWDs in markets and rural communities.
Ehiahuruike also expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the UK-FCDO for their financial support of Project IMPACT.
Dr. Law Mefor, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, described the spread of fake news and hate speech as criminal activities that can destabilize peace, governance, and electoral credibility.
“Fake news is not meant to build,it seeks to destroy truth, harmony, and everything that is good,” he stated.
Mefor also warned against the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fabricate and imitate respected figures, noting that such practices could harm Anambra’s reputation ahead of the November 8 elections.
“Politics can be played cleanly, without resorting to disinformation. If this trend continues, the election may not be peaceful, despite its potential to be one of Nigeria’s best,” he cautioned.
The commissioner called for swift legal action against offenders, stressing that timely trials would help clean up social media and create a safer online environment.
In her remarks, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, reaffirmed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections. She urged political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, stressing that the spread of fake news could undermine citizens’ trust in the electoral process.
“Your work as Truth Ambassadors is crucial, as fake news can erode our collective resolve for credible elections. I commend SIDEC for initiating this important project,” Agwu said.
Dr. Austin Aigbe, Regional Officer and ECOWAS Liaison Lead at the West Africa Democracy Network (WADEMOS), delivered a series of sessions on understanding fake news and disinformation, as well as the dangers misinformation poses to peace and democracy. He also addressed strategies for navigating disinformation and generative AI in Nigeria, along with the principles of fact-checking, dissemination, and emerging theories within Nigeria’s fake news ecosystem.
Aigbe urged the participants to take their role seriously, as they would be vital in maintaining peace in Anambra ahead of the election.
With the training of 30 grassroots Truth Ambassadors, SIDEC aims to foster inclusive civic engagement, strengthen resilience against disinformation, and ensure that voters—especially women and PWDs—are well-informed as Anambra heads toward the November election.
