The West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) is set to celebrate a significant milestone on Thursday, June 5, 2025, as it marks the 100th edition of its flagship fact-checking initiative, WABMA Fake News Debunker. The event will coincide with the graduation of 50 participants from the academy’s 2025 second-quarter media and communication certification programme.
According to a statement issued by WABMA Registrar, Joseph Obari, quoted the Rector of the Academy, Dr. Ken Ike Okere, noted that the debunker series has become a vital reference point in the battle against misinformation across Nigeria and West Africa.
“In an era of rampant fake news and weak verification culture, the WABMA Fake News Debunker has emerged as a credible source for accurate news and media literacy,” Dr. Okere said.
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To commemorate the centennial edition, WABMA launched the WABMA Debunkit Challenge an online competition aimed at students, young journalists, and media enthusiasts. Participants were tasked with producing one-minute fact-checking videos that debunk myths or misinformation in areas such as health, politics, religion, and gender.
Dr. Okere explained that the competition is designed to inspire a new generation of ethical communicators, promote creativity, and encourage truth-telling in the digital media space. Entries received will be judged by a panel of experienced media professionals, with the top three winners to be announced and rewarded during the graduation ceremony.
Highlighting the day’s events, renowned broadcaster, media entrepreneur, and academic Dr. Tope Ojeme will deliver the keynote address. This will be followed by a panel session featuring industry experts, academics, and policy influencers, who will discuss the theme: “The Future of Fact-Checking in African Media.”
WABMA continues to position itself as a leading institution in building media capacity and fostering critical thinking in the face of widespread disinformation and digital manipulation.
