UNESCO plans media institute in Nigeria to build trust worldwide
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
UNESCO plans to establish an International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in Nigeria as part of its effort to curb disinformation, fake news, and build trust worldwide.
This was part of the resolution of the 2022 UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week held in Abuja, and Information Minister Lai Mohammed pledged the government will work with UNESCO on the project.
“We look forward to receiving the necessary assistance in this regard,” he enthused.
“And I urge development partners, multilateral organisations and all countries to commit to supporting and funding this initiative, which will ultimately make our world a safer and more peaceful place to live.”
___________________________________________________________
Related articles:
World Bank extols phone, internet virtues in digital finance
Nigeria pencils 70% slash in children not in school
UNICEF picks holes in Nigeria’s childcare indicators
__________________________________________________________________
Funding MIL
Mohammed urged UNESCO member countries, development partners, multilateral organisations to help fund MIL to fight fake news, as contained in the Abuja Declaration, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), per The Guardian.
“Nigeria stands on the threshold of history, as we gather in this hall, joined virtually and globally by people of goodwill, to adopt the Abuja Declaration document on Global Financing for Media and Information Literacy: An Imperative to fight against disinformation and build trust.
“As we round off a great week, it is imperative for us to re-echo the collective conviction of speakers and contributors that resonated throughout the various sessions of this MIL week.
“The conviction is that the development of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is a panacea for the fight against all forms of disinformation and the building of trust.”
Mohammed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting UNESCO in providing the platform for the promotion, adoption, and implementation of MIL policies across the world.
He said the country is also committed to pursuing, supporting, and promoting the
right MIL policies and programmes that will enhance the capacities of citizens, particularly youths.