Fact-Checking Skills Crucial for Countering Misinformation, Say PR Scholars at NASPR
Strategic communication scholars and public relations experts recently underscored the critical role of fact-checking skills and social media engagement in developing effective counter-narratives during a media workshop hosted by the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations (NASPR). The workshop was themed: “Leveraging Digital/Social Media Influence for Effective Military Operations Within a Joint Environment.”
The event featured insights from notable public relations professionals, including Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited and publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential. In his presentation, titled *”Utilizing Fact-Check Tools as a Mechanism for Building Counter-Narratives in Information Operations,”* Shuaib defined fake news as deliberately misleading or partially accurate stories crafted to confuse and misinform audiences.
Shuaib emphasized that some individuals intentionally create and disseminate fake news to manipulate public opinion, reinforce biases, and instigate societal unrest. “Such actions blind critical thinking, influence poor judgment, exacerbate anger, incite mob violence, and may foster extremism, thereby plunging society into conflict,” he warned.
In his address to the workshop participants, Shuaib outlined practical strategies for identifying and combating misinformation. He urged communicators to cultivate a critical mindset by carefully evaluating information and assessing its sources.
In addition to verifying sources by checking the credibility of reports and cross-referencing with reputable media outlets, he advised analyzing supporting data, statistics, and historical context to avoid superficial judgments of images and content.
When discussing methods for countering false narratives, Shuaib highlighted the importance of understanding the context, source, and intended audience of the narrative. He encouraged practitioners to acquire essential fact-checking skills and utilize professional platforms such as Dubawa and PRNigeria Factcheck for verification.
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“To effectively counter false narratives, we must rely on verified information, reputable sources, and expert opinions,” he stated. “Utilizing credible tools like videos, infographics, articles, and social media posts enhances the authenticity of our messaging.”
Shuaib also stressed the necessity of robust crisis communication strategies, focusing on the *message, messenger, masses, media,* and the importance of ongoing monitoring. He urged journalists to prioritize accuracy over sensationalism, advising them to investigate, authenticate, and authorize information prior to publication.
Lieutenant Colonel Adamu Ngulde, Acting Commandant of NASPR, added his perspective on the critical significance of fact-checking in security operations. Ngulde noted that equipping officers with these skills significantly enhances their ability to counter the misinformation tactics employed by insurgents, bandits, and terrorist groups.
“Fact-checking skills empower personnel to conduct effective media operations and transmit accurate narratives that can positively influence public opinion during security operations,” he explained. Ngulde further emphasized that such training is essential for addressing the emergence of new insurgent groups with evolving ideologies, enabling security forces to analyze threats, develop countermeasures, and collaborate with other agencies effectively.
Other distinguished contributors included Professor Cosmos Eze from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Professor Olunifesi Adekunle Suraj from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Professor Samaila Mande of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Additionally, panelists included Dr. Abubakar Jibril, Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Abuja, and Dr. Habib Yacoob, the university’s spokesperson. These scholars reinforced the critical need for integrating fact-checking tools into media practices and equipping professionals with the skills necessary to combat the proliferation of false information.
This training initiative, launched by Army Headquarters, aims to strengthen the Directorate of Army Public Relations. Participants are expected to gain essential tools for effective public engagement and misinformation counteraction, ultimately supporting ongoing national security efforts.
The workshop concluded with a passionate call for continuous collaboration between security agencies, academia, and the media to tackle the challenges posed by fake news and to foster the development of robust, fact-based counter-narratives.
