President Action Against Fake News Network (AAFN), Babatunde Ashafa, has called on everyone to join the fight against the spread of fake news in the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ official unveiling of the fake news mascot in Lagos recently, Ashafa described fake news as notorious and criminal enterprise and butcher of mankind.

To this end, a fake news mascot was unveiled, as a symbolic representation designed to embody the destructive nature of fake News. He added the mission is on three folds, exposing the dangers; raising awareness and stigmatising fake news.

Ashafa recalled elections in Nigeria have exposed the serious fundamental flaws of Voters Apathy occasioned by Fake News most especially during the general elections.

For instance, in 2015 he observed, “with about 67,422,005 million registered voters, only 29, 432,083 million people came out to vote representing 44 per cent in 2019 with about 84, 004, 084 million registered voters only 28, 432, 083 people came out to vote representing 35 per cent. And in 2023 general elections with about 93.47 million registered voters, only 24.9 million people voted, this represents a meagre 26. 72 percent voters turnout, the lowest since the return to democracy in 1999 meaning that rather than making Progress our democracy has proven to be clearly endangered by Fake News.’

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Ashafa disclosed AAFN promises to mobilise and brand over 70 per cent of Nigeria population as Anti Fake News Ambassadors. We are confident that our intervention will make a significant difference in the upcoming elections. The Fake News Mascot will serve as a rallying point for Truth Advocates, fostering a culture of Media.”

General Manager Radio Lagos/ Eko FM Jide Lawal said the onus lies on everybody to champion the fight against fake news. On her part, Deputy Director National Orientation Agency Omowunmi Aderoju described Nigeria as a great nation, hence there is need to spread the right narratives about the country.