Round Check debuts with training on fact checking

Experts from various fact checking platforms have trained Round Check members on how to spot and fact check false claims.

The two-day training tagged ‘Fact checking the News’ held online was organised by Round Check, a new independent fact checking platform managed by Caleb Ijioma.

The facilitators emphasized on the need to effectively fact check information and false claims knowing fully well of the effect of fake news in the world.

Round Check lead, Adesola Ikulajolu, advised members to be vigilant and to refrain from paying attention to stories that have no impact on the people.

“When you want to fact check a story, you must check the importance of such stories. Fact checkers should be vigilant not to pay attention to stories that has no impact on the people.

“Fake news is a problem for both the educated and uneducated. It is everywhere and as a matter of fact, fake news is an instrument used to destroy the truth.”

The Executive Director of Peoples Check, Quadri Sultan, also posited that fact checkers need to be sceptical of information they come across and to avoid any form of mistakes when fact checking claims.

“To be a good fact checker you must be very sceptical and you must ensure due diligence in all you do. No mistake is expected of you. You have to be sceptical and be careful of what you believe.”

Adejumo Kabir, a fact checker at Dubawa NG advised social media users to always fact check information available to them before sharing.

“Fake news is often understood by many readers as ‘real news’, especially when it comes from reputable or state-owned media organisations.

“Fake news sometimes occur in credible media outfits due to defective journalism, lack of proper editorial diligence and pressures to break news. However, when errors occur from a credible media outfit, they are quickly rectified, but if not, the use of the epithet ‘fake’ for such an organisation is justified.

“News editors, journalists and social media users should always endeavour to undertake fact checks before publishing or re-posting news items, opinions and jokes that they encounter in their social media interactions,” Adejumo said.

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