Abuja: Mr. Michal Cygan, the Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, emphasizes the significant role of mass media in combating disinformation within societies. Cygan highlighted this during a Journalists’ Meeting on Disinformation, organized by the Polish Embassy in Abuja in collaboration with the Female Journalists Network of Nigeria. The event focused on the theme ‘Bridging Perception Gaps: Combating Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fake News for Stronger Nigeria-Poland Relations’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the envoy remarked that disinformation and misinformation transcend language barriers, affecting all languages globally, thereby causing harm. He asserted that media outlets have the capacity to effectively counteract these challenges due to their extensive reach across various platforms.
Cygan stressed the necessity for media professionals to engage in such meetings and training sessions, as they are vital in addressing disinformation within Polish and Nigerian communities. He underscored the media’s impact and responsibility in agenda-setting as crucial tools in the fight against disinformation.
Jibrin Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), pointed out that misinformation poses a significant threat to national unity, diplomatic relations, and public trust worldwide. Ndace emphasized the importance of truth and accuracy in information dissemination for countries like Nigeria and Poland, which are dedicated to democracy, transparency, and mutual cooperation.
Ndace elaborated on VON’s mission to project an authentic Nigerian narrative internationally, enhance national identity, and foster understanding between Nigeria and the global community. He noted the urgency of this mission amid the rapid spread of false narratives, prioritizing fact-based reporting, digital literacy, and partnerships that promote responsible journalism.
Ndace also praised the essential role female broadcasters play at VON, highlighting their leadership in key departments, editorial decisions, and external broadcasting. He mentioned that VON broadcasts in multiple languages and plans to expand to Mandarin and Portuguese, promoting cultural understanding and strengthening Nigeria’s global presence.
Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, discussed the impact of the digital revolution on the global information landscape. Ikechukwu noted the challenge posed by information overload, where misinformation competes with the truth in media diplomacy.
He remarked that the rapid spread of misinformation through social media platforms like Twitter and Tiktok complicates media diplomacy, traditionally reliant on careful messaging. Ikechukwu suggested that treating truth as a form of soft power could offer states media leverage from a credibility standpoint, safeguarding international relations amidst the proliferation of misinformation.