DNN FactCheck, BONews Selected for EU-ECOWAS Support to Combat Election Disinformation
By Michael Omotosho |
DNN FactCheck, the fact-checking and verification platform of the Development News Network (DNN) Media Foundation, has been selected alongside BONews as the only two Nigerian organisations to receive specialised technical and technological support under the European Union (EU) Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project.
The initiative, implemented by Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP) in collaboration with FactCheckAfrica, is designed to strengthen fact-checking platforms as a tool for combating hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, fraud, and election-related violence across the ECOWAS region.
Selection Recognises Capacity and Commitment
According to the statement signed by Mayowa Adeniran, Editorial Director, on Monday, DNN FactCheck emerged as one of the beneficiaries following a competitive assessment involving fact-checking organisations across Nigeria.
The organisation was selected in recognition of its commitment to evidence-based journalism, institutional capacity, governance standards, and strategic vision for technology-driven verification.
The statement noted that the programme will provide comprehensive technical support focused on platform assessment, capacity strengthening, technology enhancement, and the integration of innovative verification tools aimed at improving the speed, quality, and impact of fact-checking operations.
Technology Upgrade to Strengthen Fact-Checking
Under the programme, DNN FactCheck will receive targeted support to improve its digital infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, website performance, accessibility, and verification processes.
The initiative also includes specialised training on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), digital investigations, deepfake detection, and other emerging technologies increasingly required to tackle evolving forms of online misinformation.
As part of the support, the organisation will also join a regional collaborative verification network, enabling cross-border information sharing and coordinated responses to election-related misinformation and disinformation across West Africa.
DNN Leadership Welcomes EU-ECOWAS Support
Reacting to the development, Chairman of DNN’s Editorial Board, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, described the selection as a significant milestone in the organisation’s mission to strengthen public trust through credible journalism.
“We appreciate being selected for this support, which will enable us to effectively counter worrisome cases of disinformation, election violence, and other related issues.” Otufodunrin said.
Also speaking, Editorial Director of DNN Media, Mayowa Adeniran, said the support would significantly enhance the organisation’s ability to respond to increasingly complex information threats during election periods.
“The world today has become more complex, especially during elections when misinformation and disinformation can undermine public confidence and democratic participation. This support will strengthen our technical capacity, expand our investigative capabilities, and enable us to deliver faster, accurate, and evidence-based fact-checks that serve the public interest,” Adeniran said.
He added that DNN FactCheck was pleased to collaborate with BONews in promoting factual reporting, countering harmful narratives, and strengthening democratic resilience across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Information Ecosystem
Commenting on the selection, Wemimo Adewuni-Obiwale, Member of the Board of Directors, DNN Media Foundation Ltd/GTE, said the recognition reflects growing confidence in the organisation’s contribution to Nigeria’s information ecosystem.
“This partnership is a strong affirmation of DNN Media’s unwavering commitment to credible journalism, fact-checking, and strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem in Nigeria. At a time when misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech continue to threaten democratic processes and social cohesion, DNN is proud to be at the centre point of shifting narratives and producing a credible media” she said.
She described the initiative as both an opportunity and a responsibility, noting that the organisation would leverage the new technological support to advance truth, accountability, and informed public discourse ahead of future elections.
Adewuni-Obiwale also expressed appreciation to FIAP, FactCheckAfrica, and the European Union for the confidence reposed in the organisation.
Support Comes Ahead of Future Elections
The statement noted that the technical support comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for future electoral processes, with the information environment increasingly challenged by coordinated misinformation campaigns, manipulated digital content, and AI-generated deepfakes.
It added that the intervention would strengthen DNN FactCheck’s verification systems, expand access to cutting-edge technologies, and improve its ability to produce timely, evidence-based fact-checks that promote informed public discourse and contribute to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
DNN FactCheck is the dedicated verification platform of the Development News Network (DNN) Media Foundation, focusing on fact-checking, development journalism, accountability reporting, and combating misinformation through rigorous verification and open-source research.
The EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project is a European Union-funded regional initiative implemented by FIAP in collaboration with regional partners, including FactCheckAfrica, to strengthen democratic governance, electoral integrity, peace, and security across West Africa.
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