LAGOS/Nigeria: In a shift from conventional advocacy, the Action Against Fake News Network (AAFN) has introduced creative tools—including a music album and educational notebooks—to confront the growing spread of misinformation in Nigeria.
Unveiling the initiative in Ikeja, Lagos, the President of the group,, Babatunde Ashafa said the campaign reflects a renewed push to engage citizens at all levels through innovative approaches capable of driving awareness and behavioural change.
The album, titled “Malam is a Teacher,” is designed as a public sensitisation tool, while the notebooks are targeted at pupils and students to promote early understanding of the dangers of fake information.
Ashafa said the initiative aims to mobilise Nigerians across the 774 local government areas as ambassadors against misinformation, stressing that fake news has become a potent threat to democratic stability and national cohesion.
“Fake news is being used to create confusion and erode trust in leadership. It remains a serious challenge that requires collective responsibility,” he said.
He emphasised the need for citizens to adopt patience, tolerance and critical thinking, noting that the media also plays a critical role in shaping public perception and fostering hope.
“The media must continue to project positive narratives and promote understanding among Nigerians,” he added.
Ashafa explained that the choice of music as a campaign medium was deliberate, describing it as an effective way to reach a broader audience, especially young people and underserved communities.
He said the character “Malam” symbolises wisdom, problem-solving and forward-thinking leadership—qualities he believes are essential for national development.
On the educational materials, Ashafa noted that the notebooks are designed to instil early awareness among children, encouraging them to question and verify information rather than accept it at face value.
He further called for greater investment in education and advocated for strengthened local government autonomy to enhance grassroots development.
The AAFN president also urged Nigerians to remain engaged in democratic processes, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“We must ensure citizens are informed and prepared. Advocacy remains key to building responsible and enlightened communities,” he said.
Also speaking, the organisation’s Legal Adviser, Princewill Akpakpan, reiterated that the group is non-political and operates within a clearly defined legal framework.
He warned that fake news could have serious legal consequences, including offences such as libel, defamation and forgery, stressing the need for public caution in information sharing.
Akpakpan added that the campaign would be expanded through translations into local languages to improve accessibility, noting that sustained advocacy, collaboration and public enlightenment are essential in curbing misinformation.
