Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Nigerian media to rise in defense of the Nigeria's democracy by countering fake news, disinformation and other rising negative trends in Nigeria and globally.
Besides physical weapons being used globally in war situations, he said that the world is now faced with a new kind of conflict with information, including false narratives, fake news,
manipulated content and deliberate disinformation campaigns.
Jonathan said that the new trend have
become powerful tools capable of creating division, undermining public
trust and destabilizing societies.
He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2nd Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) Diplomatic, Security, Trade and Investment International Conference.
The conference was themed: “Information Warfare: Strengthening Global Security, Trade and Investment Through Collaborative Truth; The Role
of Diplomacy, Intelligence and Media.”
He stressed that the theme is timely and important for developing democracies like Nigeria and for nations confronting rising
insecurity, political polarization and dangerous spread of misinformation.
To tackle the new trend, Jonathan said Journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, balance and national responsibility
Represented at the conference by the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), Mrs Ann Iyonu, the former President said "In Nigeria, we have seen how fake news and unverified information can
inflame tensions, deepen ethnic and religious divisions, fuel insecurity and weaken confidence in public institutions.
"Sometimes, a single false report circulated through social media can trigger fear, violence or misunderstanding within communities.
"The media especially has a sacred responsibility in this digital age.
Journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, balance and
national responsibility. Freedom of the press remains fundamental to
democracy, but with that freedom also comes the duty to ensure that
information shared with the public promotes peace, understanding and
informed citizenship.
"This conversation is also important for improving the credibility of
elections and deepening democracy in our country and across Africa."
According to him, credible elections depend not only on transparent electoral systems, but also on access to factual information.
"During elections, fake
news, propaganda and hate speech can distort public perception,
discourage participation and create unnecessary tension among
citizens.
"However, when the media, civil society, electoral institutions and security agencies work together to combat disinformation, citizens are empowered to make informed democratic choices."
Democracy, he added, flourishes when people trust institutions, respect the
rule of law and participate peacefully in governance.
Besides the media role, he also called on leaders and stakeholders to continue to invest in civic education, digital literacy and institutions that promote transparency and accountability.
"We must encourage dialogue instead of division, facts instead of falsehood, and unity instead of fear." he stated
Jonathan, who received award for his commitment to democracy and regional peace among other awadees at the conference, commended DICAN for creating a platform that brought together stakeholders in diplomacy, security, intelligence, trade, investment and the media to discuss solutions to contemporary global challenges.
"Conversations like this are necessary if we are to build safer societies, strengthen democratic governance and create an environment
where economic growth and investment can thrive."
He also charged young Nigerians and Africans to remain committed
to peace, constructive engagement and democratic participation, noting that the future belongs to those who build bridges of understanding and
cooperation.
Jonathan dedicated the award to all Nigerians, Africans and partners across the world who continue to work tirelessly for peace, democracy and
regional integration.
Speaking at the conference, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, noted that the conference provides an invaluable, timely platform for robust engagement on diplomacy, security, international relations, regional cooperation, and global development.
According to him, the Role of Diplomatic Journalism cannot be overstated in an increasingly interconnected, rapidly evolving global environment, and to shape public understanding of foreign policy.
The media, he said, remains a critical partner in promoting constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and informed discourse among nations.
"Diplomatic journalism serves not only as a vital bridge between governments and citizens, but also as a powerful catalyst for transparency, accountability, and international cooperation."
He commended DICAN for its outstanding work and for organizing the conference.
DICAN, through the Permanent Secretary at the conference launched the Nigeria Fact-Check and Information Integrity Network, Verify Before You Share, Truth Matters: Build a Stronger, Safer Society, Think Before You Share.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Director / CEO Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nonye Ayeni, noted that the engagement is coming at a critical period when global trade is increasingly shaped by strategic partnerships, market integration, and economic diplomacy.
"For Nigeria, strengthening non-oil exports remains central to our national economic diversification agenda.
"Today, Nigerian products access markets in over 120 countries globally, with strong export performance recorded in agriculture, manufactured goods, solid minerals, cocoa and cocoa derivatives, sesame seeds, cashew, hibiscus flower, leather products, and other value-added agro commodities.
"In 2025, Nigeria recorded over US$6.1 billion in non-oil export value, representing an 11.5% increase over the 2024 performance and the highest ever recorded in the history of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
"More importantly, about 51% of these exports were value-added products, up from 48% in 2024, reflecting Nigeria’s gradual transition from primary commodity exports toward greater industrial processing, enhanced competitiveness, and improved export value retention."
The achievements, according to her, would not have been possible without cordial bilateral relationships, trade cooperation, and market support.
In his welcome remarks earlier, DICAN Chairman, Mr. Idehai Frederick, said that the world is confronted by a challenge that goes beyond borders, Information Warfare.
He warned that Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) is a modern weapon designed to erode the very foundations of global security, trade, and diplomatic trust.
Stressing that the world is no longer dealing with amateur "fake news," but with the industrialization of deception.
"As we convene in 2026, the global landscape of FIMI has reached a critical tipping point:
"Over 70% of FIMI campaigns now utilize high-fidelity Generative AI, creating "deepfake" diplomatic crises and simulated market crashes that move faster than traditional fact-checking can follow."
DICAN Chairman also noted that recent global data shows that information manipulation costs the global economy an estimated $100 Billion annually in lost investment, market volatility, and redirected security spending.
He added "With more than 40 nations holding major elections between 2024 and 2026, FIMI has evolved into a tool for "cognitive sovereignty" theft, where foreign actors use micro-targeted disinformation to sway public opinion and delegitimize democratic outcomes.
"Our partner, The Centre for Communication Development and Diplomacy in Africa (CCDDA), in collaboration with DICAN and PR Nigeria, has successfully brought together 69 NGOs and civil society actors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to strengthen the fight against fake news, disinformation, misinformation, and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
"As part of this strategic initiative, six regional Situation Rooms have been established across Nigeria, with dedicated Desk Officers assigned to monitor, receive, verify, and analyse trending fake news, manipulated content, and misleading videos for prompt and responsible action."
This initiative, he said, has led to the formation of the Nigeria Fact-Check & Information Integrity Network (NFIIN), a collaborative national platform aimed at promoting information integrity, digital responsibility, peace, security, and public trust.
"Through this consortium approach, DICAN, PR Nigeria, and partner organizations will continue to support nationwide campaigns, capacity-building programmes, professional training, and institutional coordination to counter harmful information threats."
To this end, he called for support of development partners, embassies, international organizations, and democratic institutions towards strengthening the initiative for peace, security, and credible information management.