How misinformation fuels conflicts in society — Don

A university don, Professor Solomon Akinola, has revealed that misinformation is a major driver of conflict and confusion in society, citing its potential to erode peaceful coexistence.

He made this known at a workshop organised by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation in partnership with Edanuso Support Foundation, where scholars and religious leaders emphasised the need for fact-checking and media literacy to combat misinformation.

The event, which was held for students and youths, witnessed presentations by Islamic and Christian scholars and university dons.

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According to him, misinformation spreads mistrust, therefore intensifying the existing conflicts in a society.

Akinola, who is also the founder and general overseer of Calvary Grace Chapel, warned against the use of AI to produce fake things which are not exist.

He affirmed that AI generated contents is responsible for misinformation, thereby leading to a crisis in the country.

Akinola further stated that many religious clashes were not caused by doctrines but misinformation, adding that spiritual leaders must preach against hate speech for peaceful coexistence.

“Modern communication studies tell us that false narratives spread faster than facts, especially through social media, where emotions override reason.

“Conflict researchers explain that many religious clashes are not caused by doctrines but by misinformation. To eradicate problems associated with misinformation , core practical anti-misinformation strategies must be put in place for a multi -faith communities including the promotion of programs that combine direct interfaith interaction with essential education and skills training to build bridges of understanding and empathy.

“Equip religious leaders with media literacy skills and digital discipline tools, enabling them to guide their congregations through the complex landscape, fact check, scriptural guidance and safe dialogue.”

In his speech, Dr Adebayo Adegbore, of the Department of Library, Archive and Information Studies, University of Ibadan, stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace peace and verify information before spread.

Adegbore, who is an Islamic scholar and speaker at the event, however, called on youths in the country to desist from the dissemination of fake news on social media adding that information should be fact checked before their dissemination.

“Both Muslims and Christians should live in peace and harmony, while Nigerians should desist from the spread of unverified news on social media,” he said

Also speaking, the convener of the event, Professor Seyi Osunade, noted that the event is aimed at identifying peace actors and collaborating with religious organisations to preach peace.

He said, “Peace can be approached from different perspectives. I am using my information technology background to promote peace by building capacity to fight misinformation that leads to conflict.

“Youths are peace actors that use digital technology and can be easily misinformed thus this event was also created to teach the youths how to fact-check posts on social mediausing tools such as DUBAWA Chatbot, S.I.F.T., image reverse search and so on.

“My message is for people to Fact-check information online before reacting by tracing the source, understanding the context of the message and knowing the purpose. Peace is beneficial to us all. It leads to progress and prosperity; you and I contribute to the peace in the world.”