The Action Against Fake News Network (AAFN) on Wednesday unveiled music album and notebook toward tackling fake information.
Speaking at the unveiling in Ikeja, AAFN’s President, Mr Babatunde Ashafa, said that there was the need for patriotism, commitment and collective action in combating fake news in Nigeria.
The album, ‘Malam is a Teacher’, is an anti-fake news campaign, while the notebook is designed to awaken consciousness of fake information among pupils and students.
Ashafa said the initiative was designed to mobilise Nigerians across the 774 local government areas as ambassadors against misinformation.
According to him, fake news remains a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy, often deployed as a tool to mislead the public and undermine national unity.
“Fake news is the only real enemy of Nigeria in this democratic era. It is being used as a weapon to create confusion and destroy trust in leadership,” he said.
Ashafa said that there was the need for patience, tolerance and critical thinking in addressing challenges in the country.
He said that the media played a major role in shaping public perception and providing hope to citizens.
“The media must continue to give hope to the society, by projecting positive narratives and promoting understanding among the people,” Ashafa said.
He explained that the album ”Malam is a Teacher’ was conceived as a creative tool to educate and sensitise Nigerians, particularly the youth, on the dangers of fake news.
Ashafa described ‘Malam’ as a problem-solver and forward-looking individual, reflecting the leadership qualities needed for national development.
He said that the anti-fake news notebook, targeted at school children, was intended to instil early awareness and encourage critical thinking among the younger generation.
“The idea is to awaken the consciousness of children and make them part of the solution, by identifying and rejecting fake news,” Ashafa said.
He called for increased investment in education and emphasised the importance of local government autonomy in driving grassroots development.
Ashafa also urged Nigerians to remain united and actively participate in democratic processes, including the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
“We must prepare, mobilise and ensure that Nigerians are well-informed. Advocacy is key to building responsible citizens and promoting development,” he said.
The organisation’s Legal Adviser, Mr Princewill Akpakpan, said that AAFN remained non-political and was guided by a legal framework aligned with its mission and vision.
Akpakpan described fake news as a major threat to society, warning that distorted information could lead to misrepresentation and serious consequences.
He said the use of music was to make the campaign accessible to all, including less-educated communities, while plans were underway to translate the messages into local languages.
The legal adviser said that fake news could amount to offences such as libel, defamation and forgery, all of which were punishable under the law.
According to him, sustained advocacy, collaboration and public enlightenment are key to reducing the spread of misinformation.
