Writing By Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The Centre for Democracy and Development has stepped up its efforts to tackle misinformation, disinformation and hate speech with a sensitization exercise in Tsaunin Kura, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State
A Focal Person of the Centre, Comfort Usman, said the programme was driven by the Community Dialogue Committee set up by the organisation, to ensure that communities take ownership of peacebuilding efforts.
She added that, CDD only provided oversight while community members led the engagement, explaining that the initiative which is supported by the SPRINT programme through Tetra Tech and the United Kingdom government, was designed to address the growing influence of information in shaping conflict narratives, especially ahead of elections.
Comfort Usman stated that misinformation and disinformation remain central to conflicts, noting that, information can either fuel or reduce tension depending on how it is used
“it is important for communities to understand, verify and counter false narratives before they escalate into crisis,”
“We decided not to speak directly to the people alone but to use community voices through the CDC to encourage local participation and help them build a stronger system ,” she explained
She expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained beyond the pilot phase as CDD intend to expand the initiative to other local government areas, and participants here are expected to cascade the knowledge in their various communities.
In his remarks, the Village Head of Tsaunin Kura and Chairman of the Community Dialogue Committee, Samaila Isa, described the initiative as timely and necessary.
“Our main objective is to promote peace. Peace is priceless, and where there is no peace, there is no development,” he said.
Isa noted that about two hundred participants attended the sensitization, drawn from various groups including market women, youths, civil society organisations and traditional leaders,with the sole aim of learning and spreading the message of peace.
“we have lived for so long without this kind of engagement, and we pray it will be sustained, as there is clear interest and hunger among the people for peace, and the response shows that the objective will be achieved.”he stated
Samaila Isa urged residents to reject fake news and embrace unity no matter the circumstances as It is only peace that will bring development and a good environment for all.
He also commended the Centre for Democracy and Development and its partners for the initiative and appealed for continued support for the growth and development of the community and state at large
Earlier, the Sabo Tasha CAN and JNI Chairmen, Reverend Bulus Iliya Ayuba and Mallam Adam Abdulkadir, underscored the dangers of divisive narratives and the spread of disinformation, assuring that they will continue to use their platforms to promote unity and warn against fake news and related issues.
