The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO says it remains committed to the advancement of Media and information literacy aimed at addressing disinformation and hate speech in Nigeria.
The Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo committed at an event to mark 2024 Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024 in Kano state North West, with the theme: “The New Digital Frontiers of Information”.
Represented by Yachat Nuhu, Dillo said, this year’s global theme highlights the importance of media and information literacy in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of information creation, dissemination, and consumption, paving the way for a safer, more inclusive, and empowering digital future for all.
“This is particularly necessary in today’s digital ecosystem. Digital networks have become the preferred platforms for expression, protest and interaction, forming the “global village”.
Dillo noted that, while the digital revolution has enabled the spread of democratic ideals and the diversity of cultural expressions, it poses challenges for democracies, as disinformation and hate speech proliferate on social networks, “particularly revolving around conflicts and crises.”
“The dynamics of the current media and information ecosystem has affected how new technologies impact societies, individuals, and business models and have transformed how people connect, interact socially, and learn and understand the world around them.”
To address the challenges Diallo said, media and information literacy has become an essential skill for the twenty-first century, and one to which UNESCO is strongly committed, in line with its mandate.
“GMIL week does not only seeks to draw our attention to the need for exploring new digital frontiers of information but also resonates the need for urgent intervention to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond.”
The keynote speaker Dr. Chindo Onumah drew the attention of Nigerian youths especially those who play leadership roles in their communities to critically analyze information and news media content.
“It is important to emphasize that, as grassroots organizations working with young people and different vulnerable groups, integrating media and information literacy into your daily operations and activities is not only a crucial step towards creating a more informed and responsible society but also an important step in building a more secure, peaceful, and united nation that will promote equity, social inclusion and the rights of the citizens.”
The Kano State Commissioner for Information Baba Halilu Dantiye and his counterparts of Education Haruna Doguwa said media and information literacy are critical in fostering a generation that is informed, educated, engaged and dedicated for the future.
Participants who attended media and information literacy training were presented with certificates.
Dominica Nwabufo
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