Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Abese of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Lekan Alabi has lent his voice to the call for correct information in the society. Chief Lekan Alabi, who was the Chairman and also represented the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja at the “Ibadan Pilot Media & Information Literacy City Project” organized by the Centre for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa” (CAEPOCOM) in collaboration with UNESCO, Oyo State Ministry of Local Governments and Chieftaincy matters and supported by numerous government agencies, Corporate Organizations and Media Outfits; stated in his key note address the need to give to the members of the public, correct information that can foster peace rather than fake information that can disrupt the peace of the society.

The event, which took place at the Apex Events Centre, American Quarters, Yidi, Gate, Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday, 26th March, 2026 also had in attendance representatives of Media Houses, Police, Army, National Orientation Agency, Religious Communities, Ministry of Local Government, National Broadcasting Commission, Schools; including Hon. Commissioner for Tourism & Culture in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.

In her welcome address, CAEPOCOM Africa Coordinator, Mrs Oyebanke hinged the initiative on the need to develop media and information literacy and digital skills for everyone to navigate the digital world safely and build trust in our information environment. She added that the choice of Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria remains profound, having been reputed to be the largest indigenous city in Nigeria with a diverse population spanning eleven local governments, hence, it provides a rich environment for piloting the UNESCO-MIL Cities Project.

The relevancy of Ibadan as the pilot city was also emphasized by Chief Lekan Alabi who stated that Ibadan land is a land of many first; in terms of establishment of vital institutions, hence he referred to Ibadan as political, social and academic headquarters of the Western Region. He prayed that the project be sustained for public good, both young and old, aged and everybody.

Dr. Sharon Adetutu Omotoso also read out the remarks from UNESCO, Abuja office at the gathering, while goodwill messages were read by different stakeholders’ representatives, including the Hon. Commissioner for Tourism & Culture, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.

The event also witnessed the demonstration of Media Literacy Resources and Tools as well as the inauguration of Stakeholders’ Committee to champion the course by working out modalities to follow.

The Organizers disclosed that in the coming days, engagement will extend to different key stakeholders within the city in form of training, capacity strengthening, sensitization programs and policy advocacy among others.

The organizers appreciated all the stakeholders present at the event that was anchored by Mr Enitan Oluwasegun Bamidele of Fresh FM, who also represented Fresh FM.