Four members of ROUNDCHECK, Nigeria’s foremost youth-led fact-checking organisation, have been selected as fellows for the Countering AI-Enhanced Malign Influence Project, a one-year initiative by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) to tackle AI-driven disinformation in Nigeria.
The selected fellows Caleb Ijioma, Agbelusi Samuel, Adelola Semilore, and Muhammed Bello Buhari were announced on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, by ICIR’s Programme Officer, Chukwudi Iwuoha.
The project, supported by the U.S. Embassy, seeks to combat the spread of AI-generated false information by training 120 journalists, influencers, and civic actors across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Participants will undergo AI literacy workshops in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, and Kano to develop skills in identifying and countering AI-enhanced malign influence.
Iwuoha highlighted the project’s importance in strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem against evolving digital threats.
“This initiative is designed to equip media professionals with the necessary tools to detect and counter AI-driven disinformation. With misinformation spreading rapidly, it is crucial to build media literacy and promote responsible information-sharing,” he said.
This marks the first edition of the Countering AI-Enhanced Malign Influence Project, reflecting growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence to spread propaganda, manipulate public opinion, and undermine credible journalism.
The selection of four ROUNDCHECK members recognises the organisation’s commitment to fact-checking and digital verification in Nigeria. The fellows will gain specialized knowledge and practical strategies to address AI-generated falsehoods, strengthening their role in the country’s fight against misinformation.
With artificial intelligence increasingly being used to manipulate narratives, this initiative aligns with broader global efforts to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the media landscape. By empowering fact-checkers and journalists, ICIR aims to strengthen public trust in credible information sources while curbing the negative influence of AI-generated falsehoods.
