Charleston Foundation and Youth Development, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has cautioned Nigerian Youths against fake news dissemination, adding that it could trigger crisis in the country.
The Founding Chairman, Mr Charles Adeyemi, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Adeyemi also cautioned youths against the spread of misleading information which could become detrimental in the long run.
He urged Nigerians to be vigilant about the spread of fake news, which he noted, was a threat to the country’s development and growth.
He called for more awareness and sensitisation targeted towards equipping women and youth with skills to identify and counteract fake news and propaganda.
“Social media should be a blessing, but it is the character of the people that determines what it ultimately becomes.
“A thorough, informed and enlightened policy will strengthened the fabric of the Nigerian society and ensure a more informed and engaged citizenry,” he said.
According to him, the media must not relent in creating an avenue to champion the campaign against fake news.
Adeyemi said the media must be seen as an avenue to correct any form of fake news on social media, rather than joining the bandwagon.
He said that fake news could easily set a country on fire and, to prevent that, a good monitoring mechanism must be put in place to counter such information. (NAN)
