Lagos-based International Press Centre on Wednesday began training of 40 journalists in combating information disorder in democratic governance reporting.

The training also centered on the use of fact-checking and Freedom of Information tools as part of component-4 of the European Union support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

The Programme Manager of IPC, Stella Nwofia, said the training was organised for journalists from across Nigeria through support for the EU from March 6 to 7, in Kaduna State.

According to her, the rise of misinformation pose threat to democratic governance, therefore the training programme to address critical aspect of the EU final report of the 2023 general  elections,

“The training programme which commenced in Ondo State as the initial phase followed by Port Harcourt is designed as a three part series. Its primary goal is to provide journalists nationwide with essential tools, skills and knowledge, empower them to navigate challenges of the digital era, while maintaining standards of responsibility and ethical behaviour.

“This is by promoting a culture of critical thinking, fact verification and media literacy. Our goal is to empower journalists to uphold truth, advocate integrity and safeguard democracy,” Ms Nwofia said.

The event featured lecture sessions on good journalism and why fact-checking by the Executive-Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade.

The lecture on the use of FOI Act and other investigative methodologies to report democratic governance, and electoral accountability issues, delivered by Executive-Director, Media Rights Agenda, Edetean Ojo. 

(NAN)