International Fact-Checking Day serves as a constant reminder of the need to combat misinformation and uphold truth in the media. The event began on 2nd of April, 2016 to celebrate truth and accuracy globally as well as the vital work of fact-checkers worldwide and has since been marked annually.
Personally, this day holds special significance in my heart as it helps me reflect on my transformative journey in fact-checking journalism, a path that began in late 2021 and has led to remarkable experiences and achievements.
Joining FactCheckAfrica
My entry into fact-checking journalism began when my colleague and former boss, Quadri Sultan, introduced me to FactCheck Elections, now FactCheckAfrica. Before that, we had worked together on People’s Check, a student-led fact-checking platform established in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through this platform, we debunked misinformation surrounding COVID-19 and other critical issues, eventually securing Meedan’s MicroGrant for COVID-19 Media work in emerging economies to sustain the initiative. Not too long after this laudable achievement, I finished as a runner-up in the 2020 Africa Check Awards (students journalist category). However, due to unforeseen challenges and my inability to implement sustainability measures, I took a hiatus from fact-checking.
Despite stepping away, my passion for fact-checking remained. I secretly hoped and prayed for an opportunity to return to the field. In 2021, that opportunity came when Sultan called to inform me of a new fact-checking organization. I embraced the offer, connected with Abideen Olasupo, the Convener of the organization and committed to voluntary work at FactCheckAfrica.
My Contributions and Achievements
Over the past few years, FactCheckAfrica has been at the forefront of the fight against misinformation, particularly during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. My journey with the organization has been both transformative and rewarding. As a researcher and fact-checker, I published over 70 fact-check reports in my debut year while also taking on some administrative responsibilities.
A major milestone in my journey came in January 2023 when I attended our first physical meeting and training in Ibadan. It was a surreal experience that solidified my commitment to the cause. The following month, in February, we convened again in Ilorin to set up a situation room for the presidential elections. This critical initiative allowed us to debunk misinformation in real time, track electoral incidents, and monitor voter turnout, ensuring that verified information reached the public.
In September 2023, my dedication to combating misinformation earned me the opportunity to be part of the German Embassy-sponsored Countering Misinformation and Promoting Media Literacy Project, facilitated by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) Nigeria. This experience not only expanded my expertise but also offered personal milestones—my first local flight to Nigeria’s capital city–FCT, Abuja and a remarkable stay at a comfortable hotel for about a week.
Crowning the year, in December 2023, I was honored as the Fact-Checker of the Year at FactCheckAfrica. This recognition was a testament to my contributions in the fight against misinformation and reinforced my commitment to truth and accuracy in journalism.
In the same vein, my commitment to fact-checking journalism has also led to valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth. In October 2024, I attended the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) workshop titled “Catalyzing African Defender Communities”. This four-day event brought together journalists, fact-checkers, and experts from Nigeria’s information ecosystem. It provided exposure to advanced Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools and facilitated collaborations with leading experts. One key outcome was our group project analyzing suspected disinformation and Foreign Interference and Misinformation Influence (FIMI) campaigns in Nigeria. At the end of the workshop, we were inducted into the Africa Center’s Alumni Network.
Additionally, I had the privilege of moderating different sessions during the West Africa AI Journalism Fellowship. I also delivered presentations on fact-checking topics at our training and digital rights conference in various campuses in Nigeria. Of particular interest was our grassroots initiatives and the inclusion of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in fact-checking, which I have been an integral part of. reinforcing the need for inclusive digital literacy efforts.
Representing FactCheckAfrica on the Global Stage
My work in fact-checking has extended beyond Nigeria, allowing me and my colleagues to represent FactCheckAfrica on international platforms dedicated to combating misinformation. These engagements have provided invaluable opportunities to showcase our work, collaborate with global experts, and advance the fight against disinformation.
One of the key moments was our participation in the Africa Facts Summit 2024 held in Accra, Ghana. Alongside my colleagues, Adisa Mustapha Habeeb and Mustapha Lawal, we joined fact-checking organizations from across the continent to discuss strategies for tackling misinformation. A major highlight of our presence at the summit was the opportunity to form partnerships with various fact-checking organisations, gain valuable insights and global best practices as it relates to our work as well as showcase our groundbreaking AI-powered fact-checking tool, MyAIFactChecker.org.
Another significant engagement was at the Regional Conference on Countering Information Manipulation in West Africa hosted by National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). At the event, I joined our convener, Olasupo Abideen to present some of our efforts in combating misinformation in Nigeria. Noteworthy, Olasupo presented MyAIFactChecker.org, an AI tool that has now gained global recognition to the vast audience of fact-checkers, technologists and policymakers from West Africa Francophone and Anglophone countries. He underscored the devastating impact of disinformation in Northern Nigeria, highlighting how false rumors and inflammatory messages have fueled conflicts, disrupted economic activities, and displaced communities. The conference was also an avenue for our team to interact with participants from across West Africa, sparking interest in potential collaborations.
Our participation in these international engagements has earned us global visibility and recognition, reaffirming the importance of collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of information in the digital space in an innovative and technology-driven manner.
Looking Ahead
No doubt, My journey with FactCheckAfrica has been filled with learning, growth, and impactful moments. Each experience has shaped my understanding of misinformation and the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding information integrity. Notably, the all-inclusive collaborations, technological advancements, and strategic interventions we champion at FactCheckAfrica continue to reinforce our shared vision of a misinformation-free Africa.
As I reflect on these achievements in commemoration of this year’s International Fact-Checking Day, I remain committed to strengthening fact-checking initiatives and ensuring that truth prevails in the digital space knowing fully well that misinformation is an evolving challenge, and fact-checking remains a crucial tool in safeguarding democracy, public trust, and social stability.
I am grateful for the support of FactCheckAfrica, my colleagues, and everyone who has celebrated my journey. Your encouragement and belief in the mission to uphold truth inspire me to keep pushing forward. Thank you all!
