The federal government has called for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to enhance the credibility of social media content in the face of increasing misinformation.
This call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, during a symposium held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, themed “Blogging, AI, and the Credibility of Social Media Content: A Hybrid Resolution Approach.”
The event, jointly organised by the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, NOUN’s Mass Communication Department, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and UNESCO, sought to address the challenges of misinformation on social media and the role of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping online narratives.
Alhaji Idris, represented by Mrs. Comfort Ajiboye, director and acting permanent secretary of the ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling the growing credibility crisis. “A multi-stakeholder strategy is crucial in ensuring that social media platforms remain spaces of factual and reliable information,” Ajiboye noted, while also advocating for policies that balance freedom of expression with accuracy.
NOUN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, highlighted the significance of social media in influencing public discourse, stressing the need for educational institutions to play a central role in promoting media literacy. Represented by Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, the deputy vice-chancellor (Academics), Peters said, “Addressing misinformation requires a joint effort between academia, the government, and international organisations.”
The symposium brought together media experts, students, and government officials to discuss the intersection of AI and blogging in shaping social media content. The panel discussion, led by Dr. Jacob Shagboar Suemo, head of Mass Communication at Nile University, featured notable speakers, including Mr. Qasim Olalere Akinretin, Deputy Director of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi from Baze University, and renowned blogger Malam Abdullahi O. Haruna.
The panellists engaged in vibrant discussions about the ethical use of AI in content creation, the responsibilities of bloggers in maintaining media credibility, and strategies to counter misinformation. They stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and responsible practices in the digital age.
The symposium concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together in regulating and improving the quality of social media content, particularly through the strategic use of AI tools to enhance credibility.
