There is no doubt that the issue of fake news has been a cause of worry for the Nigerian government lately. The challenge may have attracted recent approvals by the federal executive council including amendment of the act establishing the National Broadcasting Commission to enable it license web television and radio stations as well as upward review of fines relating to breaches on hate speeches,inciting comments and indecency from 500,000 naira to 5 million among others as part of measures to deal with the manace. While some of the measure have attracted negative reactions from the public, the National Orientation Agency (NOA)inline with it’s mandate is exploring other interventions. This the Director General, Dr Garba Abari at the flag off of the NOA Fact Checking capacity building course in Abuja said is targeted at training 37,000 Nigerians on the role of fact checkers across the country. Abari further solicited the support of all Nigerians to deal with the consequence of fake news. The program as indicated by the NOA will be implemented under it’s five years strategy work plan.
