By Precious Chukwudi

About Forty journalists from Southwest states received training from the International Press Center (IPC) on fact-checking techniques to counteract information disorder in democratic governance, thanks to funding from the European Union (EU).

The journalists learned about best practices for journalists and the value of using the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to collect information. The journalists were selected from media organizations in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Lagos.

Held in Akure, Ondo State, The facilitators of the event were Martins Oloja, Managing Director and Chief Editor of The Guardian, and Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC.

According to the Executive Director of the International Press Center, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, he stressed to journalists, the value of fact-checking their reports to dispel suspicions and slow the spread of false information in society.

Oloja’s speech also emphasized how important it is for journalists to thoroughly research stories before they are published in order to establish their credibility and uphold professionalism in the media industry.