DNN FactCheck, the fact-checking and verification platform of Development News Network & Media Foundation, and BONews have been selected as the only two Nigerian organizations to receive specialized technical and technological support under Activity 3.1.6a(1): Support for Fact-Checking Platforms as a Tool to Counter Hate Speech, Disinformation, Fraud and Election-Related Violence under the European Union (EU) Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project.
The initiative is implemented by the Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP) in collaboration with FactCheckAfrica as part of the European Union’s broader efforts to promote credible information, protect democratic processes, and reinforce electoral integrity across the ECOWAS region.
Following a competitive assessment process involving fact-checking organizations across Nigeria, DNN FactCheck was selected in recognition of its commitment to evidence-based journalism, institutional capacity, governance standards, and strategic vision for advancing technology-driven verification.
According to FactCheckAfrica, the support will focus on platform assessment, technical assistance, capacity strengthening, technology enhancement, and the integration of innovative tools that improve the efficiency and impact of fact-checking operations.
The support package will significantly enhance DNN FactCheck’s operational and technological capacity through targeted interventions aimed at strengthening digital resilience and newsroom innovation.
The program includes improvements to digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, website performance, accessibility, and verification systems, alongside access to advanced tools and specialized training in artificial intelligence (AI), digital investigations, open-source intelligence (OSINT), deepfake detection, and other emerging verification technologies.
As a beneficiary, DNN FactCheck will also become part of a regional collaborative verification network that promotes information sharing, cross-border coordination, and collective responses to election-related misinformation and disinformation across West Africa.
Speaking on the selection, the Editorial Board Chair of DNN, Mr. Lakan Otufodunrin described the support as a significant milestone in the organization’s continued efforts to strengthen information integrity and public trust.
“We appreciate being selected for this support, which will enable us to effectively counter worrisome cases of disinformation, election violence, and other related issues.”
As elections continue to evolve in the digital age, strengthening our technological and editorial capacity is essential to ensuring that citizens have access to accurate, verified, and trustworthy information.
In response to the selection, Mayowa Adeniran, Editorial Director, DNN Media, expressed enthusiasm regarding the selection: “The world today has become complex, especially during election periods 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,” he said. “We are glad to join BONews to work collectively to promote factual reporting, counter harmful narratives, and strengthen democratic resilience.”
Also commenting on the development, Wemimo Adewuni-Obiwale, Member, Board of Directors, DNN Media Foundation LTD/GTE, said the selection reflects growing confidence in DNN Media’s work and its contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem.
“This partnership is a strong affirmation of DNN Media’s unwavering commitment to credible journalism, fact-checking, and strengthening the 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 center of shifting narratives and producing credible journalism,” she said.
“This comes as both an opportunity and a responsibility. We are excited to leverage our technological capacity, alongside our partners, in advancing truth, accountability, and informed public discourse during Nigeria’s critical election season.
We appreciate FIAP, FactCheckAfrica, and the European Union for their confidence in our work, and we remain committed to using this opportunity to serve the public interest with integrity and excellence.”
The support comes at a critical period as Nigeria prepares for future electoral processes and as the information environment becomes increasingly vulnerable to coordinated misinformation, disinformation campaigns, manipulated digital content, and emerging technologies such as AI-generated deepfakes.
By strengthening its verification systems and expanding access to cutting-edge technologies, DNN FactCheck will be better positioned to deliver timely, evidence-based fact-checks, support informed public discourse, and contribute to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
