
By Taofeeq Imam, Confidence News Nigeria
On October 18, 2024, I had the privilege of joining a select group of volunteers for the Dubawa Week for Truth 2024. This initiative was designed to empower the younger generation—particularly secondary school students across West Africa—with the skills and knowledge to combat the ever-growing threat of information disorder, commonly known as fake news. With the rise of misinformation, teenagers and individuals with limited media literacy are among the most vulnerable groups, often falling prey to false narratives that can shape their perceptions of the world.
The focus of the initiative was to equip these young minds with the tools to discern credible news from falsehoods, and to introduce them to Dubawa Chatbox, a powerful tool for fact-checking and media literacy. The goal was to nurture a generation of informed, critical thinkers who can navigate the digital information landscape with confidence.
Building on the momentum of the Dubawa Week, I had the honor of organizing an enlightenment session at Unity Comprehensive School, located in Rujin Sambo, NTA Quarters, Sokoto, on October 29, 2024. The session aimed to bring the lessons of the Week for Truth to life, fostering an interactive and educational environment for the students.
During the session, we discussed topics such as media literacy, the importance of fact-checking, and practical ways to fight misinformation. The highlight of the class was the hands-on demonstration of the Dubawa Chatbox. Students learned how to use this innovative tool to verify information in real time, providing them with the essential skills needed to identify fake news on their own.
The engagement from the students was impressive, and it was clear that this initiative is helping to build a more informed and discerning generation. The Dubawa Week for Truth 2024 has not only educated young minds on the dangers of misinformation but has also provided them with the tools to actively combat it. As we move forward, this initiative promises to play an important role in shaping a future where truth and accuracy prevail over deception.