Centre For Media and Society

03/06/2026

Participants at the Journalists–INEC Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Dialogue held in Osogbo, Osun State.

The dialogue brought together media executives, editors, journalists, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen collaboration on voter education and electoral information management ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

Participants engaged in discussions on enhancing voter education efforts, improving public access to accurate electoral information, addressing misinformation and disinformation, and promoting responsible election reporting. The engagement also provided a platform for journalists and INEC officials to exchange perspectives, share practical experiences, and explore strategies for fostering informed voter participation and public trust in the electoral process.

The activity was implemented by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) under the Support-to-Media Component of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Phase II Project.

03/06/2026

Journalists–INEC Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Dialogue held in Osogbo, Osun State, organised by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II project, brought together journalists and officials of INEC’s Voter Education and Publicity Department to discuss key issues affecting election communication and voter education.

Participants exchanged ideas on strengthening collaboration between the media and INEC, improving responses to misinformation and disinformation, promoting inclusive voter education for youths, women and persons with disabilities, and enhancing public understanding of electoral processes. The engagement also provided an opportunity to explore practical approaches for fostering accurate, timely and conflict-sensitive election reporting.

03/06/2026

No! The Federal Government Is Not Giving ₦250,000 Grant

Screenshot of image used in publishing the claim that FG is giving grant to Nigerians Claim A facebook post by FG Free Grant claims that small businesses in Nigeria could get a support of up to ₦250,000 from the Federal Government of Nigeria as a grant. It titled the grant: RENEW HOPE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. The post was published on May 24, 2026 and at the time of this fact-check it has 1.3k likes, 575 comments and 21 shares....

Screenshot of image used in publishing the claim that FG is giving grant to Nigerians Claim A facebook post by FG Free Grant claims that small businesses in Nigeria could get a support of up to ₦25…

01/06/2026

Cross-section of participants at the Broadcast Audience Voter Opinion Lab in Osun State.

The sessions brought together citizens from different backgrounds to critically examine political party manifestos, exchange perspectives, and raise important questions about the promises shaping the 2026 electoral conversation in Osun.

The engagement created a platform for thoughtful dialogue, allowing participants to assess how well campaign commitments align with the realities and expectations of the people.

Through this collaborative initiative by the Centre for Media and Society and The Kukah Centre, citizens are being empowered to actively interrogate political messaging, contribute meaningfully to democratic discourse, and make informed decisions ahead of the elections.

When citizens are informed and engaged, democracy becomes more participatory, responsive, and accountable.

01/06/2026

At the opening of the Broadcast Audience Voter Opinion Lab for the Osun gubernatorial election, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, delivered a powerful charge on the necessity of elevating the citizens' voice above campaign noise. His address centred on three critical pillars for a healthy democracy:

Challenging Misinformation: He questioned the integrity of the information environment, urging the media to set agendas grounded in fact rather than distortions that undermine voter trust.

Meaningful Inclusion: He challenged the status quo regarding the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and youth, demanding that their inclusion be deep and substantive, not merely performative.

Accountability & Agency: He reframed the Lab as a structural mechanism to document what citizens actually think about campaign promises and messaging, aiming to treat issues like voter apathy and vote buying as the civic emergencies they truly are.

As this cohort of sixty citizens engages with manifestos and discourse over these two days, their perspectives are being channelled directly into media platforms to hold the electoral process accountable.

This is more than a discussion—it is a contribution to the electoral record of Osun State and the kind of democracy we deserve.

01/06/2026

Osun State! Your voice is essential to the future of Nigeria's democracy!

The Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), in collaboration with the Kukah Centre, are proud to host the Broadcast Audience Voter Opinion Lab for the Osun Election, a space designed to capture real-time voter perspectives, identify barriers to participation, and strengthen our collective understanding of the electoral process.

Whether you are a journalist, community leader, youth, or first-time voter, your insights are key to shaping more responsive, people-centred electoral strategies.

📅 Date: Monday, 1st & Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Ideal Nest Hotels, Osogbo, Osun State

Join us as we work together to promote credible and inclusive elections!

31/05/2026

FACT-CHECK: Viral Video Of Peter Obi Promoting Investment Platform Is Manipulated

Claim A facebook post circulated by Nigerian Daily Bulletin claims that registration is closing for a financial platform allegedly endorsed by former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi. The post uses a purported video of Obi canvassing for Nigerians to join the platform, claiming that he had “opened access to structured income for Nigerians” and that any citizen who invests ₦350,000 can earn up to ₦4.5 million within one month....

Claim A facebook post circulated by Nigerian Daily Bulletin claims that registration is closing for a financial platform allegedly endorsed by former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Pe…

29/05/2026

Fact check. No, SSS Did Not Issue Security Alert On ‘Boko Haram Fighters Arrival’

Claim A recent post online says the State Security Service (SSS) office in Abuja has issued an alert to Nigerians in the South and North central, with focus on Lagos, Ilorin and Rivers state, claiming that Boko Haram had deployed fighters to these locations. The claim read: “SSS office Abuja BREAKING NEWS! Security alert!! Privileged information reveals the mass arrival of BOKO HARAM Fighters to Southern /North centralNigeria, especially to LAGOS/ ILORIN and RIVERS States”....

Claim A recent post online says the State Security Service (SSS) office in Abuja has issued an alert to Nigerians in the South and North central, with focus on Lagos, Ilorin and Rivers state, claim…

25/05/2026

Ahead of the 20 June Ekiti Governorship Election, the 2026 Pre-Election Assessment Report provides valuable insights into the state of electoral preparedness.

From security and media coverage to voter participation and inclusivity, the report outlines key observations and recommendations aimed at fostering peaceful, credible, and transparent elections while reinforcing public trust in the democratic process.

25/05/2026

https://haltfake.org/ai-generated-video-used-to-falsely-depict-tinubu-converted-to-christianity/

A keyframe from the viral video. Claim: A viral WhatsApp video claims Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has converted to Christianity Full Text In May 2026, a viral post accompanied by a vid…