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From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Palladium, Food Basket Foundation International (FBFI), as well as other development partners have activated plans to ensure stability of democracy in Nigeria,
The plan was activated via the Safeguarding Digital Civic Space for Electoral Integrity (SDSEI) project, which was led by the Safeguard Online Civic Space (SOCS) Group in the country.
The project, in a.bid to combat fake news in Nigeria, empowered 1,584 students from tertiary institutions across the country’s six geopolitical zones. Also, 108 fact-checkers were recruited and trained to monitor and counter misinformation and disinformation before, during, and after elections.
The project aims to empower Nigerian citizens, particularly the youth, in the fight against fake news.
Dr. Funmi Akinyele, the Chairperson of the SOCS Group, and Executive Director of Food Basket Foundation International (F,BFI), highlighted the project’s accomplishments during the close-out meeting for the project.
The achievements, accirding to her nclude promoting inclusive civic participation among the youth, enhancing knowledge and critical thinking, fostering peace during elections, and providing informative resources. She added thy tr project’s impact and engagement have exceeded expectations, by empowering citizens and strengthening electoral integrity in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Ibadan, Gombe, and Port Harcourt.
The selected students from the University of Abuja, Bayero University in Kano, Lagos State University, University of Ibadan, Federal University Kashere in Gombe State, and Rivers State University in Port Harcourt were motivated to actively participate in the electoral process of the 2023 general elections.
Akinyele said the SDSEI project also formed partnerships with various associations in Nigeria, resulting in collaborative efforts to protect the integrity of the digital space.
She made it known that the project utilized communication initiatives, including press conferences, skits, and public service announcements (PSAs) to effectively disseminate vital information to target audience. The initiatives, she noted, reached millions of Nigerians, equipping them with the knowledge needed for transparent, accountable, and informed decision-making.
Akinyele emphasized that the SOCS group would continue to safeguard the digital civic space and strengthen electoral integrity in Nigeria by applying the lessons learned from the SDSEI project, saying the group remains committed to promoting inclusive civic education and empowering citizens for active participation in the democratic process.
She enjoined all Nigerian citizens to join the movement in building a transparent, accountable, and democratic society adding that by providing accurate civic information and encouraging informed civic engagement, the project would continue to empower Nigeria’s youth to shape the future of the country’s democracy.
Akinyele is optimisic that Nigerian youth can make a significant difference in combating fake news and ensuring a more informed electorate, with the support of SOCS, SCALE Palladium, and USAID,
