The Federal Government has called for coordinated global action to combat the rising menace of fake news in the world. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, made the call on Tuesday when a delegation from UNESCO Feasibility Team visited him on Tuesday in Abuja.
The team is currently in Nigeria to evaluate the facilities at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for the proposed establishment of the UNESCO Category Two International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
Idris emphasized that the International Media and Information Literacy Institute is envisioned as a global resource, not solely for the benefit of Nigerians but for the international community at large.
He said that it was an opportunity for Nigerians to show not just their expertise and professionalism but commitment to media and information literacy globally. “In this era of fake news, misinformation and disinformation, media and information literacy is a key driver in achieving a media-free and independent society.
According to him, “Fake news, misinformation and disinformation is a global challenge, and we note the efforts that UNESCO has been making to combat that. He added that fake news is a very dangerous thing, adding that misinformation and disinformation could ruin societies, and destroy nations and relationships across the globe.
“Every country that is desirous of having a collaboration on the global stage must ensure that it plays a key role in combating these very deadly menace. “Fake news is more dangerous than even a gun; it travels faster than any fighter jet, it goes beyond all boundaries and it does not require any visa to go there.
“Therefore, we have to know that for us to combat this very deadly menace, the entire global community will have to come together to collectively fight it,” Idris said. He explained that any time the government attempted to address fake news, it was sometimes misconstrued and misrepresented as fighting press freedom or freedom of expression.
Idris further stressed that President Bola Tinubu takes the issue of press freedom and freedom of expression very seriously. “Tinubu, being a beneficiary of press freedom will not in any way, form or shape attempt to stifle that.
“Indeed, he has given us marching orders to ensure that the press that is already free in Nigeria becomes even freer. “All the obstacles that appear to be there in the way of the press in discharging its responsibilities are being taken away by government gradually, ” he said.
The minister acknowledged that there are times when certain individuals act with excessive zeal.
“While we are committed to fostering a society and democracy that upholds press freedom, it is equally essential to promote a sense of responsibility and patriotism,” he stated. “You are either disseminating information that contributes to societal growth or spreading content that undermines and destroys it.”
He further emphasized the need for a structured approach, underscoring that all efforts must be designed to uphold and deliver the right values to society.
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