Tech
Build Apps That Detect Fake News, Don Urges AI Developers
A lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, Dr Tope Ojeme, has urged Artificial Intelligence developers to create digital applications capable of detecting fake news and combating unethical media practices in Nigeria.
Okeke made the remark in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt by Joseph Obari, Registrar of the West Africa Broadcast Media Academy.
The statement said that Ojeme spoke at the closing ceremony of the Second Quarter Courses of the WABMA in Abuja while presenting a paper.
Ojeme, speaking on the theme,”Beyond debunking: Building a Culture of Media Integrity in Africa’s Next Century,” emphasised the urgent need to confront the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation in Africa.
According to him, the development of AI-driven digital tools would empower citizens to challenge fake news propagators and hold leaders accountable.
“We must empower African developers, engineers, and creators to build AI-powered fact-checking plugins for newsrooms, and blockchain-based archives to safeguard journalistic content from tampering.
“These tools will also help secure open-data platforms, enabling citizens to demand accountability from their leaders,” Ojeme said.
He warned that unless decisive action was taken to stem the growing trend of disinformation, the continent risks being overwhelmed by dangerous myths and falsehoods that could eclipse truth and scientific facts.
According to him, we could soon find ourselves in a world where fake cures go viral; conspiracy theories infiltrate classrooms, and elections are manipulated by digital bots.
He added that it would gradually erode public trust, which had been the very foundation of any democratic society.
Ojeme, who is also a media practitioner, argued that although technology had fuelled the proliferation of fake news, it equally held the potential to reinforce truth through well-structured algorithms.
He explained that such algorithms could be designed to prioritise the identification of verified information, detect fabrications, and expose distortions of facts.
He further warned that the rapid spread of fake news and the use of deepfake technology to manipulate video content posed serious risks to societies already grappling with numerous developmental challenges.
“This looming threat highlights the urgency of building systems of truth – ecosystems of integrity, legal frameworks to protect truth-telling journalists, and the establishment of ‘truth desks’ in media organisations.
“There is a pressing need to confront this challenge head-on.
“We are living in an age of noise, where the loudest microphone command attention, speed supersedes sense, and volume overwhelms value,” Ojeme concluded.
Earlier, the Rector of WABMA, Dr Ken Okere, said that the academy’s mission was beyond training media professionals as it instilled in them an understanding of the power and responsibility of media communication.
He presented certificates to participants who successfully completed the media and communication courses and awarded cash prizes to the top three entries in the DebunkIt Challenge.
Okere, however, explained that the DebunkIt Challenge was organised to mark the 100th edition of the WABMA Fake News Debunker, which began in April 2022.
Punchng.com
Ibrahim Kwande, brother of the chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa state, Aliyu Bello, is dead.
Nasarawa-born journalist Ibrahim Aminu, who confirmed the sad update via his Facebook page, said Kwande died on Friday afternoon, July 24.
Legit learnt that Kwande died as a result of a fatal motor accident. From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram. The deceased is expected to be buried on Saturday, July 25, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Aminu wrote on Facebook, sharing photos of sympathisers paying condolence visits alongside a photograph of the deceased: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ibrahim Kwande, beloved brother of the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Aliyu Bello, PhD, who departed this life this afternoon.
“He will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites tomorrow 25th of July, 2026 at 9am.
“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give the family the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.
“Allah Ya Jikansa da Rahama. Ameen.”
An influential former Nigerian Senator Omololu Meroyi, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS) between 1999 and 2003, died aged 76.
Legit reports that the ex-legislator’s younger brother, Meroyi Yomi Charles, broke the news to journalists that same Wednesday, July 22, saying his sibling passed away earlier that morning. Charles did not reveal what caused the death.
The Achievers Progressive Group, a prominent grassroots organisation based in Ondo state, was among the first to publicly mourn his passing.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 22, obtained by Legit, the group said it received news of Senator Meroyi’s death with “deep sorrow,” describing the late federal lawmaker as “our leader and father.”
The statement read: “On behalf of the entire members of Achievers Progressive Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone. We share in your grief and pray that God Almighty grants you and the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
As of the time of this report, the family had yet to announce funeral or burial arrangements.
Born on January 1, 1950, Meroyi earned a Master of Science degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.
He first entered federal politics in 1983 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. 16 years later, he returned to the National Assembly after winning a Senate seat in 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), representing Ondo South.
He later crossed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during his political career.
After leaving the Senate, Meroyi remained engaged in public affairs, eventually serving as the South-West National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Senators’ Forum.
Outside politics, he worked as a management consultant and held the position of chairman at Araromi Rubber Estates Limited.
Adefunke Kuyoro, a former president of the Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), is dead. Kuyoro’s death was confirmed in a statement released by the deceased’s family.
Legit.ng learnt that Kuyoro, 64, “peacefully transitioned to glory”.
Kuyoro’s company, TWC Events Services, also confirmed the sad update. TWC Events’ statement, jointly released by the Kuyoro family, read
“It is with a heavy heart that we, the TWC Event Management Services, announce the passing of our beloved CEO, Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro, fondly known to us all as Mummy K/Mrs. K.
“Mummy K was not just our leader; she was our pillar, our inspiration, and the heart of everything we built together.
Her grace, vision, and passion for excellence defined TWC Event Management Service, and her impact will live on in every event we ever touch.
“We are devastated by this loss, but we are comforted knowing that she lived a life full of purpose, love, and dedication.”
The statement added: “To everyone who has reached out with condolence messages, calls, and kind words, the family and the entire TWC team are deeply grateful. Your love and support during this incredibly difficult time means more than words can express.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. “Mummy K, you will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in perfect peace.”
A Facebook post on Adefunke Kuyoro confirming the entrepreneur’s demise can be viewed:
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