The Federal Government has organised a capacity-building programme for more than 100 social media influencers drawn from across Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to promote responsible digital communication and improve public awareness of government policies.

The training, held in Kano, focused on strengthening participants’ ability to identify and counter misinformation and disinformation while enhancing their skills in the effective use of social media platforms.

Speaking during the workshop, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Enlightenment, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, said the initiative was designed to equip influencers with practical knowledge for responsible online engagement and information dissemination.

According to him, the increasing spread of false information, manipulated videos and artificial intelligence-generated content has made it necessary to train digital content creators on how to distinguish verified information from misleading material.

He noted that the programme would help participants improve their communication skills while contributing to efforts aimed at reducing the spread of fake news.

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Abdulaziz explained that the workshop was intended to prepare participants to respond effectively to misinformation and disinformation circulating on digital platforms.

“The workshop will equip them with skills on how to counter disinformation and misinformation,” he said.

He observed that social media users are increasingly exposed to AI-generated images, edited videos and fabricated content capable of misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension.

“We see a lot of social media videos, AI-generated pictures, and clips designed to create disaffection or misinform the public. These skills will help them to use social media more effectively for information dissemination,” he added.

The presidential aide also stated that the programme would expose participants to the policies, programmes and achievements of the Tinubu administration, enabling them to better understand ongoing government initiatives.

According to him, the workshop would also promote conversations centred on national unity, responsible civic engagement and democratic participation.

Abdulaziz emphasised that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to express opinions and participate in political and non-political activities, but stressed that such freedom should be exercised responsibly.

He expressed concern over what he described as the reckless use of social media by some users, arguing that accurate information remains essential to strengthening public understanding of government activities.

“These are the areas of focus. That is why we felt it’s important to encourage them and urge them to continue doing what they believe in, because that is democracy.

“Everybody has the right to express his or her opinion on issues and to participate in political or non-political organisations.

“But we see a lot of recklessness in the use of social media. People need to know what the government is doing,” he said.

The workshop forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve digital literacy, encourage responsible online communication and strengthen public engagement through verified information across social media platforms.