Spanish experts train journalists in fact-checking, others

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Spanish experts train journalists in fact-checking, others

Spanish experts, under the initiative of Casa África, have trained 35 Nigerian journalists in information verification and digital cybersecurity.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the DG Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria and the Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development, Nigeria, through its verification platform, Dubawa.

According to a statement on Thursday by the Cultural Adviser, Embassy of Spain in Abuja, Eva Martin, the training was held in Abuja between July 10 and 14, 2023, with two specialised trainers from the Spanish media outlets Maldita.es and Newtral, sharing their knowledge and experience with fact-checkers and other journalists.

The Director-General of Casa África, José Clavell, said the organisation was proud to collaborate with Nigerian “to strengthen the capacities of African journalists in fact-checking and digital security.”

“We believe that these skills are essential for quality journalism that can inform citizens and combat misinformation that can undermine democracy and human rights,” Clavell said.

The Executive Director at the CJID, Dr Tobi Oluwatola, said it was critical for journalists to leverage the opportunities that AI had brought to change the world.

The Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Juan Sell, attended the closing ceremony of the training to hand over to the participants their certificates.