The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) and German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), commenced a 2-day training for Nigerian media professionals on media integrity and countering misinformation in West Africa.
The training was parts of efforts to combat the scourge of misinformation, and uphold and promote the truth about the activities of ECOWAS as it champions various strategies to actualize the Vision 2050 and its various pillars to promote regional security and economic prosperity among others.
The training, which held in Abuja, Nigeria, between March 5th and 6th was aimed at equipping media professionals with the requisite knowledge, skills, and tools to counter misinformation and disinformation, promote information integrity and responsible journalism in the region.
Declaring the training open on behalf of the President of ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray,, the Director of the Cabinet, Office of the President, Mr. Abdou Kolley, conveyed the Commission’s deepest appreciation to the GIZ, the media and other partners for their commitment to the shared vision of fostering peace, democracy, and responsible journalism across West Africa.
“On behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, our deepest appreciation to all the team partners in the Center of Communalism, Innovation and Development, the Media Foundation for West Africa, and our dedicated supporters at the GIZ, the Organization of Development Program, the Commission, the German Federal Ministry of Economy, Cooperation and Development.
“Your commitment to this cause underscores our shared mission to foster peace, democracy and responsibility amongst the Nigerian people. The media serve as a pillar of democracy, influencing public discourse and shaping societal narratives. In an era of increasing socio-political complexities and security challenges, the role of journalists in ensuring information integrity cannot be overstated.
“Unfortunately, the rise of misinformation and disinformation has led to confusion, division and, in some cases, conflict. These threats undermine democracy, hinder sustainable development and evoke public trust in our institutions. It is therefore our collective responsibility to counter false narratives and promote responsible journalism within our sub-region. Research and analysis have shown an undeniable link between information disorder and ongoing conflicts in West Africa and the Sahel region.
“In response, ECOWAS has prioritized proactive measures to strengthen the media capacity and reinforce democratic principles. Through this training initiative, we aim to equip Nigerian journalists with the necessary tools to identify and counter anti-democratic narratives, combat disinformation and uphold ethical journalism.”
In his goodwill message, the Political Counsellor of the German Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Mathias Dold, said the German Government shares a common vision with ECOWAS to address the region’s challenges and create opportunities for regional integration, peace and stability.