T he Federal Government has called for global unity in fighting the menace of fake news around the world. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call when a delegation from UNESCO Feasibility Team paid him a visit in Abuja, yesterday. The Team is in Nigeria to assess the National Open University of Nigeria’s (NOUN) facilities for the establishment of UNESCO Category Two International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
According to Idris, the International Media and Information Literacy Institute was not just designed for the people of Nigeria but the world in general. 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.
“Fake news, misinformation and disinformation is a global challenge, and we note the efforts that UNESCO has been making to combat that, ” he said. He said that fake news was a very dangerous thing, adding that misinformation and disinformation could ruin societies, 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 menaces.
“Fake news is more dangerous than even a gun; it travels faster than.