Before the Federal Government’s controversial decisions on banning Twitter, the social media and the nation were clearly facing a bleak future especially with persistent and mindless distribution of fabricated news reports. Nigeria is grappling with the fake news epidemic spreading across the country.
The problem has become so acute that the government of Africa’s most populous nation has warned that misinformation could be the greatest threat to credible elections. The heat from false news is also spreading faster and evidently stifling opportunities and growth in other sectors.
“…84% of businesses feel threatened by fake news about their products. It’s particularly worrying for…businesses where the practice of targeted misinformation designed to harm a company’s reputation has been more acutely weaponised…,” a report cited in www.cnbcafrica.com, projects.
Interestingly, there is nothing suggesting that the promoters of fake news are backing down soon. So, what should a serious-minded government do? Turn a blind eye to the increasing threats? Initiate measures aimed at stemming the tide?
It, however, cannot be over-stressed that the country is still in dire need of better approaches in spotting and preventing potential fake news. The best solution, some concerned stakeholders suggest, is timely and efficient capturing of all media exposures.
Sunday Odiaka,
Lagos.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…On fake news On fake news
Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train
The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…On fake news On fake news
"My main motivation for height growth is being seen as less of a man, I…
The nationwide disruption, which halted flight departures for about four hours, was linked to ...
The disagreement later escalated after Magwenya responded to the official X handle of the Nigerian…
A non-governmental organisation, Health Standard Concern Organization (HESCO), in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative…
The African Asset Recovery Practitioners' Forum (AARP-F) has disclosed that Africa is losing billions of…
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, alongside his friends and…
This website uses cookies.