The National Orientation Agency (NOA), media organisations, and other non-state actors have thrown their weight behind the launch of the Ibadan Pilot Media and Information Literacy (MIL) City Project, describing it as a timely and necessary intervention.
The CAEPOCOM Africa Coordinator, Dr Sharon Adetutu Omotoso, who delivered UNESCO Abuja’s opening speech, noted that the project is major step toward addressing misinformation by equipping citizens with critical thinking and fact-checking skills Stakeholders at the event emphasised the urgent need to strengthen the media environment and equip practitioners with media literacy and digital skills required to combat misinformation, rebuild trust, and restore public confidence in information dissemination.
The initiative was widely described as a desideratum in today’s rapidly evolving information ecosystem.
Participants unanimously expressed support for the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) programme, which promotes the triad of critical thinking, information integrity, and inclusiveness, aimed at enhancing visibility and responsible information sharing.
The choice of Ibadan as the pilot city, according to organisers, was informed by its multi-ethnic composition, large population, and growing digital connectivity. In his keynote address, the Chairman of the occasion and representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, commended the selection of Ibadan, citing its historical significance as home to Africa’s first television station, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), located at Mapo Hill, among other notable landmarks.
Drawing from his vast experience in the media industry, he stressed that responsible journalism remains a panacea to misinformation, hate speech, and disinformation capable of triggering societal unrest.
Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan, the Abese Olubadan inaugurated a multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives from government agencies, including NOA, security agencies, media organisations, religious institutions, and other non-state actors. The committee is tasked with driving the implementation of the project.
In her goodwill message, the Oyo State Director of NOA, Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande, represented by the Head of Media and Communications, Isiaka Kehinde, highlighted the importance of building a value-based society anchored on credible, accurate, and trustworthy information dissemination.
She noted that the project aligns with the core mandate of the agency and complements ongoing reforms spearheaded by the Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, particularly in the areas of information verification and fact-checking tools to ensure authenticity in public communication.
She expressed the agency’s appreciation for being part of the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the organisers, CAEPOCOM Africa, in achieving the project’s objectives.
Other dignitaries present included representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, led by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Ademola Ojo, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun.
The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), NOA, religious organisations, market leaders, security agencies, and various media outlets.
