Citizens should be deliberate in addressing issues that set the tone for conflict within our various communities and must also be wary of persons who spread fake news or misinformation to undermine government efforts in responding to the emerging global and local challenges, enforcing poor compliance attitude, curbing misconceptions and myths, addressing inadequate health facilities and building social cohesion.

Popular Blogger and Influencer for change, Matthew Tegha made this known as part of activities for Connexus Influencer for Change, One-Day Training on Understanding Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation with various work professionals at Vintage Hall, Domkat Bali Road Jos South Plateau State on Saturday 30th October 2021.

Participants were drawn from various professional fields and were introduced to the ConnexUs Network as a global platform that is amplifying the voices of influencers around the World and a coordination platform for various professionals to connect with practitioners in conflict-affected contexts who are seeking to promote positive change in their society.

While also talking about how misinformation has distorted COVID policies and behaviors, Matthew Tegha noted that the world is faced with a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge of an overabundance of information related to the virus has therefore led to the rise of a lot of fake news peddlers.

"The discovery of Social media has given rise to various free platforms which are gaining prominence worldwide over the past decade. Easy use of texts, images, recordings/podcasts, videos and innovations of all sorts have been created for positive use but has also generated a wide increase in disseminating fake news in all of its dimensions." Matthew Tegha Said

He shared some useful tips on Understanding Fake News and what to do when faced with misinformation as inaccurate information spreads widely and at speed, making it more difficult for the public to identify verified facts and advice from trusted sources, such as the NCDC or WHO.

"There is a need to ameliorate the adverse effects of the challenges around us especially as we battle COVID-19. We must encourage more collaboration through evidence-based campaigns using confirmed sources of information of which we as citizens must be front drivers" He said

The program is part of activities for ConnexUs Influencer for Change Network and ConnexUs is partnering with Blogger and Middle belt Nigeria Influencer, Matthew Tegha to amplify his activities, towards Responding to Global & Local Challenges also in amplifying the Voices of other Influencers Around the World with the support of the European Union Instrument for Promoting Peace and Stability.