Social Media Deepens Democracy, But Fake News Threatens Public Trust — Akogun Ajibolaline
Former Daily Trust Managing Director, HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola, has urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, warning that fake news poses a serious threat to democracy and public trust.
Abuja, August 2026 — A senior media professional and former Managing Director of Daily Trust Newspaper, HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola, has called on Nigerians to use social media responsibly, warning that the spread of fake news and misinformation could undermine the gains of democratic participation.
Ajibola made the call on Wednesday as Special Guest of Honour at a public lecture on “Economic Reforms and Sustainable Economic Development in a Democracy,” held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the media practitioner recalled the significant role played by independent newspapers and journalists during the struggle against military rule and the campaign for the restoration of democratic governance.
He noted that the media environment has, however, undergone a major transformation with the widespread use of smartphones and social media platforms, which have effectively turned ordinary citizens into active participants in information dissemination.
“In those days, the independent media played a major role in fighting for democracy. Today, almost everybody has a phone, and in a sense, every citizen has become part of the media,” he said.
According to him, the development has broadened democratic participation by giving citizens the opportunity to document events, expose shortcomings in governance, question public officials and circulate information almost instantly.
He, however, cautioned that the same technology that has expanded citizens’ voices has also created an avenue for the rapid spread of fabricated information, misinformation and deliberate distortions.
Ajibola therefore urged Nigerians to develop the habit of checking the source and authenticity of information before believing or sharing it, stressing that responsible information consumption is now essential to the health of democracy.
“The phone has given everyone a voice, but that voice comes with responsibility. We must learn to ask questions about the source of information and verify what we receive before sharing it. Fake news can do serious damage to society and to democracy itself,” he said.
The former newspaper executive maintained that social media remains a powerful tool for strengthening citizen participation, promoting accountability and keeping public officials under scrutiny. He warned, however, that these benefits could be eroded if the platforms are used without regard for accuracy and public responsibility.
The lecture was chaired by veteran broadcaster and public health advocate, Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, while Hon. Asiwaju Asiru delivered the keynote address.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians recognised for their contributions to public service and national development. Among the recipients were the Minister of Interior, Senator Sunday Karimi, and Hon. Arch. Salman Idris.
The Democracy Newsline Newspaper public lecture attracted journalists, government officials, political leaders and other stakeholders who deliberated on economic reforms, sustainable development, democratic governance, public engagement and the role of effective communication in building public confidence.
The discussions also underscored the growing importance of an informed citizenry in ensuring that democratic freedoms, including the freedom to access and share information, are exercised with responsibility.