NATIONAL NEWS
UNESCO, UNIC train Content Creators on Information Integrity
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), in partnership with UNESCO, held a two-day workshop aimed at equipping content creators and social media influencers with essential skills in Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Information Integrity.
The workshop which was held at the UN House in Abuja, focused on addressing the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in today’s digital landscape.
Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, National Information Officer at UNIC, led discussions on the theme “Media and Information Literacy and Information Integrity.” He explained that MIL involves the ability to access, critically assess, and ethically produce media content. It empowers individuals to engage thoughtfully with information and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
Soremekun said, “Media and Information Literacy (MIL) refer to the ability to access, critically analyse, and evaluate media and information; to create media content responsibly and ethically in various forms; and to contribute to public discourse in ethical and informed ways.
“Inclusive MIL emphasizes multilingual and culturally diverse content, representation of marginalized voices, and accessible formats for all learners. Inclusive MIL also involves encouraging critical engagement with power structures and bias in media, ensuring that everyone can participate meaningfully in the global information ecosystem.
“Information Integrity refers to safeguarding truth in the digital age by ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness of information and content. It requires transparency in sourcing and intent, ethical creation and sharing of media, and resilience against misinformation and manipulation”.
He highlighted the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity, describing them as a framework for fostering a healthier information ecosystem. These principles emphasize societal trust and resilience; independent, free, and pluralistic media; transparency and research; public empowerment; and healthy incentives for combating misinformation while promoting human rights.
Soremekun observed that the rise of misinformation and disinformation poses serious threats to democracy and public trust. Inclusive MIL ensures that all learners can critically engage with media, while information integrity promotes truth, ethics, and accountability.
He urged continued advocacy for truth and freedom, stressing that policy support, education, community engagement, and collaboration are vital to combat misinformation and safeguard human rights for all.
Ms. Yachat Nuhu, speaking on behalf of the UNESCO Head of Office Abuja, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, emphasized that advancements in digital technologies have transformed how people communicate, interact, and share information.
Jean-Paul noted that platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram have created vast opportunities for communication and expression across borders.
“Today, advancement in digital technologies has widened the space we now engage in. We’re talking about YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram. It has widened information and communication reach. The digital world has connected us in ways that were once unimaginable, giving every individual the power to create, share, and influence conversations on a global scale.”
While celebrating the growth of digital communication, Yachat also warned about its risks. She highlighted the harmful impacts of misinformation, hate speech, and online harassment, emphasizing that these problems have tangible effects on society.
“It has also become a space where words and images can wound and misinformation can divide. We all have witnessed the rise of hate speech and gender-based harassment, and misinformation spreading faster than the truth. This online toxicity has spilled into our communities, fuelling conflict and mistrust. When left unchecked, it erodes social cohesion and weakens the very fabric of our collective humanity.”
She highlighted the damaging impact of misinformation during Nigerian elections, especially when it exploits ethnic and religious divisions. She cautioned that this kind of disinformation threatens democracy, trust, and peace.
“In Nigeria, election-related misinformation has spread divisive messages along ethnic and religious lines, contributing to mistrust and in some cases, violence. When lies go unchecked, they polarise societies, deepen division, and undermine trust in democracy.”
According to Yachat, UNESCO’s commitment to media and information literacy (MIL) is about empowering citizens to think critically and engage ethically online. She stressed that MIL is not merely a set of technical skills but a value-driven approach to responsible communication.
“Media and information literacy is not about skills, it’s about values. It teaches us how to search, to assess, to evaluate information, and how to contribute responsibly in the digital space. It is a vital tool for countering hate speech, cyberbullying, and all forms of online and offline violence.”
Yachat made an assertive call for joint responsibility among governments, tech companies, civil society, and individuals to ensure that the digital world becomes a space of peace, truth, and respect.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Director of Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogbubike, underlined the immense influence of information in today’s digital society.
He remarked that information now shapes people’s opinions, drives national conversations, and influences public behaviour. However, he cautioned that this power must be used with great responsibility and integrity to safeguard trust and national development.
He said: “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the power of information is immense. It shapes opinions, influences behaviours, and drives national conversations. But as we know, this power must be used responsibly with integrity.
“When information is manipulated or used carelessly, the consequences are far-reaching. The spread of misinformation and disinformation threatens not only public trust but also our national development and unity. That is why we must all work together to ensure that the information we create and share contributes to progress, not division.”
He stressed that the workshop aimed to empower content creators with essential skills such as critical thinking, ethical storytelling, and responsible engagement. He said these abilities are necessary for strengthening public discourse and fostering an informed, balanced, and resilient society in the digital era.
He said: “By helping content creators build skills in critical thinking, ethical storytelling, and responsible media engagement, we are investing in a more informed and resilient society. The kind of content we create today determines the kind of society we will live in tomorrow. Therefore, every creator must see themselves as a partner in national development one who uses their influence to enlighten, educate, and uplift rather than mislead.”
He acknowledged the strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and UNESCO, noting that this collaboration is aimed at promoting media literacy and empowering citizens especially young people to engage in the digital information space with responsibility and confidence.
He added that: “The Foundation for Information and National Orientation is happy to partner with UNESCO in promoting media literacy and ensuring that our citizens, especially the youth, can navigate the information space with confidence and integrity.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a society where information is used as a tool for empowerment, not manipulation, and where every Nigerian can participate meaningfully in shaping narratives that strengthen our democracy and development.”
He announced the creation of the UNESCO International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
He said: “The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is pioneering the first UNESCO International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja. Domiciled in the National Open University of Nigeria, a UNESCO Category 2 status is granted to us. This status will provide the needed international standardisation, recognition, and attraction of global expertise in MIL, strengthening IMILI as a global observatory of MIL policies and programmes”.
He called on content creators to recognize their vital role in nation-building. He reminded them that their messages reach millions and have the power to inspire, unite, or divide. He urged them to use this influence to educate, promote truth, and foster national unity while committing to a media environment rooted in creativity and integrity.
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