The national secretary, National Digital Peace Ambassadors (NDPA), Erikan Obong, has unveiled a new civic initiative aimed at promoting responsible online engagement.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Ms Obong said the initiative, referred to as NDPA, would also help in countering misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other digital content threatening.

The event has the theme “Digital Peace and National Security: Building Responsible Voices for a United Nigeria.”

She said the initiative was borne out of the growing influence of digital platforms on public opinion, social relations and political discourse.

“The battle for national peace is no longer confined to physical communities and political rallies, but a significant part of the struggle is now online,” she said.

According to her, a single unverified message, manipulated video, or inflammatory post can spread across communities in seconds and trigger fear, anger, and mistrust before facts catch up.

She warned that advances in artificial intelligence (AI) had made it harder to protect information integrity, noting that the digital space could amplify local disputes into national crises.

“False allegations can be linked to entire ethnic or religious groups. Old videos can be passed off as new events. Fake statements can be credited to public officials,” she said.

Ms Obong also flagged risks ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that political, ethnic and religious tensions often create openings for false claims, propaganda and manipulated content.

“The next national crisis may not start with the sound of violence. It may begin with a notification such as a post, a video, a fabricated result or a false accusation,” she said.

Ms Obong stressed that NDPA was not aimed at restricting freedom of expression, stressing that Nigerians must be able to criticise government and debate issues, but with responsibility.

“A peaceful digital space must not mean a silent digital space. Nigeria needs responsible freedom, not fearful silence,” she said.

She added that the NDPA would focus on peace-oriented online engagement, fact-checking, countering harmful narratives non-violently, promoting national unity, and digital peace education.

She added that the initiative would also seek partnerships with government agencies, security institutions, media, civil society, schools, tech companies, and traditional and religious leaders.

Ms Obong urged Nigerians, especially influencers and content creators, to adopt a simple test before sharing content online to guide in the dissemination of information.

“We should always check this – is it true? Is it verified? Is it necessary? Can it cause harm? Not everything that comes to your phone deserves to leave your phone.

“You may think you are only creating content. But someone is learning from you. Someone is copying you. Someone is believing you. Do not sell Nigeria’s peace for views,” she said.

The national secretary also called on the government to improve timely public communication and election-period information integrity.

“Treat digital peace as part of conflict prevention, without suppressing legitimate criticism. Strengthen action against coordinated manipulation and AI-generated disinformation. Prioritise fact-checking and context over speed,” she said.

(NAN)