By Hadiza Yusuf
KANO — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that the spread of fake news and disinformation poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity, urging journalists and social media influencers to uphold ethical standards by verifying information before publication.
Idris gave the warning on Monday while speaking at the maiden edition of the Arewa Media Summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, in Kano.
The minister said the rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed communication by turning smartphones into publishing platforms, but noted that it has also accelerated the spread of misinformation capable of eroding public trust and undermining national cohesion.
“The digital revolution has transformed communication, making every smartphone a broadcasting platform. However, the same technology has also increased the spread of fake news and disinformation capable of threatening national unity and public confidence,” Idris said.
