The Obaji Development Foundation (ODF) has opened applications for a five-day residential workshop aimed at helping Nigerian journalists identify and counter disinformation campaigns.

The Nigerian Counter-Disinformation Capacity-Building Workshop will bring together 30 journalists for training on foreign influence and manipulation of information (FIMI), digital forensics, fact-checking and ethical reporting.

Applications opened on 14 September and will close on 18 September 2026.

The workshop will be held in Abuja, according to the foundation.

Why the training matters

Disinformation campaigns can use false or misleading information to influence public debate, shape perceptions and deepen social divisions.

ODF said the growing use of foreign influence and manipulation of information presents a challenge to media integrity and democratic processes in Africa.

The foundation described Nigeria as a major media hub and a potential target for campaigns that exploit local vulnerabilities to influence narratives.

The training is therefore designed to strengthen journalists’ ability to assess information before publishing and to investigate coordinated disinformation campaigns.

What journalists will learn

ODF said participants will receive practical training on identifying, analysing and countering FIMI and other forms of disinformation.

The programme will include interactive sessions, case studies and practical exercises.

According to the foundation, participants will also learn about digital forensic tools and approaches to collaborative journalism.

The organisers said the workshop will focus particularly on disinformation strategies affecting Africa and Nigerian elections.

Other objectives include promoting collaborative fact-checking and investigative journalism networks, as well as strengthening media literacy and public trust in journalism.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is open to Nigerian journalists with at least two years of professional journalism experience.

Applicants must work in print, electronic or online media in Nigeria and be employed by a reputable media or fact-checking organisation.

They must also provide an endorsement from their editor or chief executive.

Applicants are required to show evidence of fact-checking content they have published within the past 12 months.

ODF said successful participants must also be willing to devote time after the training to producing research and analysis on disinformation.

Only one journalist from each organisation can participate.

How to apply

Interested journalists can submit their applications through the online application form provided by the foundation.

The application window runs from 14 to 18 September 2026.

The five-day workshop is fully residential and will take place in Abuja.

The foundation said the programme is intended to build a stronger network of journalists capable of detecting and responding to disinformation while maintaining fact-based and ethical reporting standards.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has announced activities for its 2026 Press Week, with former NIMASA Director-General Dakuku Peterside scheduled to deliver the keynote public lecture.

The week-long programme will run from Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, bringing together journalists, media professionals, journalism students and other stakeholders.

The public lecture, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, will focus on “Politics, Ports and the Public Interest: The Media’s Catalytic Role in Driving Economic Growth.”

Peterside, a former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), will speak at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10am.

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Why the lecture matters

The choice of ports, politics and economic growth as the focus of the lecture comes at a time when Nigeria’s maritime sector remains important to trade, revenue generation and wider economic activity.

The organisers said the lecture is expected to attract maritime experts, media practitioners, policymakers, industry players and journalism students.

The theme also places emphasis on the media’s role in reporting issues that affect the economy and the public interest.

NUJ Lagos explains Press Week focus

NUJ Lagos chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, described the Press Week as an annual opportunity for journalists from different media organisations to interact and strengthen professional relationships.

Ajayi said journalists routinely report issues affecting individuals and society and therefore need opportunities to come together outside their daily reporting responsibilities.

“This is a yearly event that brings journalists from different media houses under one roof.”

He added:

“As journalists, we go the extra mile to report issues affecting other people and society at large. Therefore, coming together to interact, fraternise and strengthen our bond is not out of place.”

According to Ajayi, the council wants the 2026 edition to be one of the most successful Press Week celebrations.

“The Press Week is an event journalists always look forward to, and we must do all within our reach to ensure that this year’s edition remains one of the best,” he said.

Full NUJ Lagos Press Week programme

The programme will open on Monday, September 28, with a Health and Awareness Walk.

The public lecture featuring Peterside will follow on Wednesday, September 30, at the LTV Complex.

On Thursday, October 1, journalists will gather for the Chapel Rendezvous at the LTV premises from 4pm.

A Juma’at Service is scheduled for Friday, October 2, at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, from 1pm.

The Press Week will also feature a Gala and Awards Night at the BOS Hall, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, from 4pm.

The programme will end on Sunday, October 4, with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Christ the Light (Interdenominational), CBD, Alausa, Ikeja. The service will begin at 10am.

What NUJ Lagos wants journalists to do

The council is calling on journalists across Lagos State to participate actively in the activities.

Beyond the social aspect of the celebration, the council said the Press Week is intended to provide opportunities for networking, exchange of ideas, professional bonding and reflection on the contribution of journalism to society.

The 2026 edition is expected to bring together media professionals and stakeholders at a time when questions around journalism, economic reporting and the public interest remain important to Nigeria’s development.

The news of the passing of Dotun Oladipo hit me this morning with a profound sense of loss. Nigeria has lost a distinguished journalist, media entrepreneur, and advocate of ethical journalism. But beyond the public tributes and professional accolades, I have lost a friend, ally, confidant, and brother.

My relationship with Dotun dates back to the late 1990s when we were colleagues at The Punch newspapers. Even then, he stood out as a journalist of uncommon conviction – calm, principled, and deeply committed to the ideals of responsible journalism. We shared similar beliefs about the role of the media in society: to inform truthfully, act responsibly, and serve the public interest.

Our bond endured long after our paths diverged professionally. While I moved into corporate communications and banking, Dotun continued to distinguish himself in journalism, eventually founding The EagleOnline and rising to become President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). Our friendship grew even stronger during those years as we found ourselves working from different sides of the communication ecosystem but towards a common goal – promoting professionalism and protecting the integrity of both the media and corporate institutions.

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As President of Association of Corporate Communication & Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) and Dotun as President of GOCOP, we became partners in progress. Together, we navigated difficult moments, particularly when unprofessional elements sought to undermine the banking industry through misinformation, exaggeration, and outright falsehoods. Dotun was often the voice of reason.

He understood the power of journalism, but equally appreciated the responsibility that came with it. More than once, he stepped in quietly to douse tensions during media crises and helped foster understanding where misunderstanding threatened to prevail.

I fondly remember visiting him at the EagleOnline office in Ogba. With characteristic pride and humility, he personally took me around the premises, sharing his vision and introducing me to members of his team. On that occasion, I also met his wife when she stopped by. It was a glimpse into the man behind the public figure – a devoted family man and an exceptionally warm host.

Dotun never stopped advocating for journalists and media organisations. At every GOCOP conference, he extended invitations to us and consistently urged corporate organisations not to turn their backs on credible media partners. He believed strongly in collaboration, mutual respect, and shared growth. In return, ACAMB always welcomed opportunities to engage with GOCOP and the wider media community.

I was privileged to celebrate his 50th birthday with him among his circle of friends six years ago in Lagos. We remained in touch thereafter, meeting regularly at conferences, seminars, and industry events. I often sought his counsel on media matters, drawing from his vast network and deep understanding of the profession. Not once did he decline a request for guidance or intervention. He was generous with his time, wisdom, and relationships.

Today, I mourn not just a former colleague but a trusted ally, a comrade, and a brother. His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

To his family, especially his beloved wife and children; to his brother, Tunde – my former classmate, journalism colleague, and banking associate; to the entire GOCOP family and the Nigerian media community, I extend my deepest condolences.

Dotun Oladipo lived a life of impact, friendship, service, and integrity. His footprints are indelible, his legacy enduring, and his memory will remain a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Rasheed Bolarinwa, a renowned PR/Strategic Communication architect, is the immediate Past President of ACAMB. He writes from Lagos