In the dynamic landscape of modern information dissemination, the battle against fake news has become more crucial than ever. Recognizing the gravity of this challenge, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) orchestrated a three-day Learning and Experience Sharing Sessions on Tackling Fake News in West Africa. This gathering, which took place in Abuja, Nigeria, from the 27th to the 29th of October 2021, brought together a diverse array of civil society organizations (CSOs) and media houses from across West Africa. Among the prominent participants was Yeama Thompson, the dedicated Publisher of Salone Fact Checker.
CDD-West Africa has been at the forefront of efforts to combat fake news in the region. Their approach recognizes that addressing the menace of fake news necessitates a multi-pronged strategy, with CSOs and media outlets playing pivotal roles. It’s within this context that the three-day experience sharing and learning sessions were conceived.
At the heart of these sessions was a collective endeavor to devise effective strategies for identifying, addressing, and ultimately dispelling fake news stories. Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions on a range of topics, including methods for determining which fake news stories to prioritize, strategies to amplify the reach of completed fact-checks, and the integration of technology into the battle against fake news.
Yeama Thompson’s presence at this workshop was more than symbolic; it was a testament to her commitment to the cause of truth and accuracy in information dissemination. As the Publisher of Salone Fact Checker, a platform dedicated to fact-checking and debunking misinformation, Ms. Thompson brought a wealth of experience and insight to the table.