Sokoto State partners with UNESCO to combat misinformation

The Sokoto State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with UNESCO to combat misinformation and disinformation. The initiative aims to strengthen peace and social cohesion within the state.

Sambo Bello-Danchadi, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, noted that information disorder poses a significant threat to communal stability. He highlighted that false information is often used to provoke ethnic, religious, or communal tensions, potentially dividing communities that have coexisted peacefully for generations.

The Commissioner emphasized that rapid technological advancements, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence, have made it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content. To address this, he called for improved media and information literacy to help the public critically assess information before sharing it. The collaboration seeks to engage traditional, religious, and political leaders as key gatekeepers to promote responsible information sharing.