Deploy Evidence-Based Communication to Fight Misinformation – VP Shettima tells Spokespersons

Deploy Evidence-Based Communication to Fight Misinformation – VP Shettima tells Spokespersons

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima has urged the Nigerian information professionals to stick to timelines and evidence-based communication to tackle and disinformation.

The Vice President stated this on Tuesday in his remark at the maiden National Spokespersons Summit, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in Abuja.

Shettima who represented by Senior special assistant to the president, media and communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha highlighted the crucial role that information professionals play in promoting a more informed and united nation, and urged them to remain vigilant in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.

According to him, “Every day, we become further convinced that we can never win the war against misinformation and disinformation unless our responses to them are timely and evidence-based.”

His word: “You don’t need to be reminded that you are a pillar of the nation’s security framework. While your combat operations only require your pens and electronic communication devices, the threat you neutralise saves the lives of even our military and para-military operatives fighting a different type of war.

“As experts, there’s not much I can ask of you other than to remind you to always listen and internalise feedback. You must engage with people of diverse perspectives, foster dialogues, and build consensus. This is a small price to pay for aggregating the needs and expectations of this diverse nation.

“So, always leave a seat empty for any group to join your table and don’t treat anyone as inconsequential because their views don’t align with yours.”

By PRNigeria