About - CAEPOCOM AFRICA

CENTER FOR APPLIED ETHICS & POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN AFRICA (CAEPOCOM AFRICA)

CAEPOCOM AFRICA'S EVENTS

Dr Sharon Adetutu Omotoso discussing Re-engineering a new Nigeria: The influence of social media, at the the 21st Century Youth Leadership Conference for Prefects and Class Captains organized by the Good Boys project, ov, 9th, 2019

Cross-section of students at the Re-engineering a new Nigeria: The influence of social media, at the the 21st Century Youth Leadership Conference for Prefects and Class Captains organized by the Good Boys project, ov, 9th, 2019

Workshop on Trends and Developments in Disinformation and Social Media Manipulation in West Africa NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence and the Centre for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa (CAEPOCOM AFRICA) jointly organized a workshop in Ibadan, Nigeria, 7-8 November 2019. The workshop brought together experts on communication, media, social media, disinformation, government, and regulation to discuss selected West African Countries, including; Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Togo, and the West African region as a whole. The purpose of the workshop was to contribute to our collective understanding of the specific challenges in West Africa and how these challenges relate to global trends on disinformation and social media manipulation. The workshop featured presentations and discussions on national and regional developments as wells as thematic discussions on historical backgrounds, gender, democracy, regulation, media, diaspora, youth, grassroots, and public diplomacy. The workshop also specifically discussed; -To what extent state or non-state actors use disinformation and social media manipulation in the region -Which techniques, tools, methods are used for disinformation and social media manipulation in the region -To what extent there are a disinformation and social media manipulation industry thriving in West Africa -What sort of regulations, moderation or guidelines would be suitable for social media in West Africa -Who is best suited among government, civil society, service providers and the masses, to take the lead with regards to social media moderation/guide The general conclusions from the workshop are that the global challenges of disinformation and social media manipulation are also being felt in West Africa. There is evidence of state actors' interference in the region. National and religious actors are using disinformation and social media manipulation to influence politics, to promote various agendas and to sow discord. While the workshop did not find a local disinformation industry with global reach, several actors are reselling international services and repackaging tools and techniques for local customers. Buying likes or malicious influence activities is as easy in Lagos or Accra as it is in Manilla, Moscow, or Riga. This problem is sometimes compounded by influencers using disinformation for personal gain. Low media literacy skills and region-specific issues such as disinformation from elements of the diaspora are compounding the problem, which has led to violent activities, lynching, and protests – often sparked by global or regional events causing targeted retributions against minorities. The workshop also noted the role of ethnicity, gender, and religion as vulnerabilities frequently exploited by malicious actors. Disinformation has also, on several occasions, caused diplomatic tensions between countries in the region. There are indications to suggest that areas in the region hardest hit by internal conflict are also the area's most likely to be worst hit by disinformation and social media manipulation – often by both sides in the conflicts. This development has resulted in calls for regulation of social media, and in a few cases, the government has shut down internet access during conflicts. Human rights activists are voicing concern that ongoing discussion will lead to repressive national regulations, which risk undermining freedom of speech and democratic movements. At the same time, several actors are calling for increased actions by social media platforms to prevent their platforms from being misused by malicious actors. The workshop also identified a need for strengthened investment in media literacy programs, fact-checking, and training of journalists across the region. The lack of verified information and distrust in government authorities are vulnerabilities that increase the spread and effect of disinformation. The workshop noted that a possible solution to address this vulnerability is to establish fact hubs or centers of authority, which can provide neutral and reliable information on topics exploited for disinformation. Especially important is the need to address disinformation targeting health issues, xenophobia, and interethnic tensions. The workshop further noted that more research is needed to understand how international and local actors are using disinformation to manipulate public opinion. Ample evidence suggests that such efforts are ongoing, but even public announcements by the social media companies usually provide little information on the specific actions undertaken in this region. The lack of specific details prevents the local civil society to assess the effects of different inauthentic coordinated activity and to hold local actors accountable. The workshop laid the foundation for a research report on disinformation and social media manipulation in West Africa to be published in the coming months. NOV 7-8, 2019

At the recently held workshop jointly held by Center for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa(CAEPOCOM AFRICA)and NATO Strategic Communication Center of Excellence (NATO STRATCOM COE), similar trends of disinformation and social media manipulation were found across West Africa. What is ECOWAS doing to address these? NOV 7-8, 2019

In cooperation with the Centre of Applied Ethics and Political Communication In Africa (CAEPOCOM AFRICA), NATO StratCom CoE is conducting a workshop with Key Stakeholders on the trends and developments in West Africa. The purpose of the workshop is to contribute to our collective understanding of the specific challenges in West Africa and how these challenges relate to global trends on disinformation and social media manipulation. Given that some of the emerging disinformation techniques have global implications - studies on regional techniques and counter-efforts underway will help countries build capacity for future threats. The Workshop holds in Ibadan, Nigeria on November 7-8 2019.

The Center for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa in partnership with @UNESCO_ABUJA & Freedom of Information Acts Community Development of National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Ibadan North LG held A-1 day sensitization programme on Media and Information Literacy.

In his speech delivered by his representative, the Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin @Adebo_ogund stated that media literacy is an essential skill needed by every member of the society. He charged @caepocom_africa to create frameworks that is indigenous to our society @SplashFM1055

The Center for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa in Partnership with UNESCO and in collaboration with the Freedom of Information Acts CDs Ibadan North Local Government held a sensitization program on media literacy for Corpers in Ibadan North Local Government. --- 1

Teenagers makeup a large percentage of social media users and there is crucial need for them to be empowered with media literacy skill

@caepocom_africa is live delivering media and information literacy skills to girls aged 10-18 at the 2019 @wordocias girls' summit, University of Ibadan.

Mrs Geraldine Ezeobi of CAEPOCOM AFRICA at the media literacy session of 2019 WORDOC GIRLS SUMMIT, July 30-31, 2019

Self assessment test with Ayokunle Awosika at the 2019 WORDOC GIRLS SUMMIT

It's today and a public holiday... Does fake News affect our statehood, if yes how? And how do citizens become watchdogs... Let's threw up questions and come up with solutions to stop the spread of fake News...

Feb 21 2019: An in-house seminar held at CAEPOCOM AFRICA in commemoration of the Annual International day of Mother Tongue on 21th february 2019 {Pic: I}

Feb 21 2019: An in-house seminar held at CAEPOCOM AFRICA in commemoration of the Annual International day of Mother Tongue on 21th february 2019 {Pic: II}

Feb 21 2019: An in-house seminar held at CAEPOCOM AFRICA in commemoration of the Annual International day of Mother Tongue on 21th february 2019 {Pic: III}

Feb 14 2019: Valentine Celebration organised by CAEPOCOM AFRICA theme: "All you can Eat" in partnership with NELINA,Cedar Water, POG Technology, Apex Event Center, Finger Prints Concept, King & Queen Honey Organized {Pic: I}

Feb 14 2019: CAEPOCOM AFRICA Valentine Celebration organised by CAEPOCOM AFRICA theme: "All you can Eat" in partnership with NELINA,Cedar Water, POG Technology, Apex Event Center, Finger Prints Concept, King & Queen Honey Organized {Pic: II}

Feb 12 2019: Gubernatorial Debate 2019 held at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan {Pic: I}

Feb 12 2019: Gubernatorial Debate 2019 held at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan {Pic: II}

Feb 12 2019: Gubernatorial Debate 2019 held at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan {Pic: III}

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Oyo State organised a seminar on January 31st, 2019 theme “Mitigating violence against women in the Electoral process”

The Speaker, Dr. Sharon implore participant during the seminar to concentrate more on their capability and not their femininity

Dec 23 2018: Annual program; shop for free {Pic: I}

Dec 23 2018: Annual program; shop for free {Pic: II}

Dec 23 2018: Annual program; shop for free {Pic: III}

Oct 30 2018: CAEPOCOM AFRICA organized a seminar theme 'Democratic dialogue for media experts in South-West, Nigeria' {Pic: I}

Oct 30 2018: CAEPOCOM AFRICA organized a seminar theme 'Democratic dialogue for media experts in South-West, Nigeria' {Pic: II}

Oct 30 2018: CAEPOCOM AFRICA organized a seminar theme 'Democratic dialogue for media experts in South-West, Nigeria' {Pic: III}

Oct 30 2018: CAEPOCOM AFRICA organized a seminar theme 'Democratic dialogue for media experts in South-West, Nigeria' {Pic: IV}

Oct 30 2018: CAEPOCOM AFRICA organized a seminar theme 'Democratic dialogue for media experts in South-West, Nigeria' {Pic: V}

Oct 30 2018: CAEPOCOM AFRICA organized a seminar theme 'Democratic dialogue for media experts in South-West, Nigeria' {Pic: VI}

Human Rights Talk with Women Artisan Groups September 2017

Human Rights Talk with Women Artisan Groups September 2017-2

Grassroot Mobilization Seminar October 2017

Shop for Free December, 2017

CAEPOCOM Team at the December 2017 Shop for Free Event

Distributing food stuffs at Shop for Free. December 2017

Members attending to guests at the Shop for Free. December 2017

ATTENDING: CAEPOCOM representative, speaking on women pressing for progress at International Womens Day March 2018

CAEPOCOM AFRICA: Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation, February 2018

CAEPOCOM representative, speaking on women pressing for progress at International Womens Day March 2018

Public Lecture on Leadership, followership aand succession planning in Nigeria April 2018

Character education group meeting at Girls Summit in collaboration with WORDOC. August 2018

Political education session at Girls Summit in collaboration with WORDOC. August 2018

About CAEPOCOM AFRICA

CAEPOCOM AFRICA'S EVENTS