DNN FactCheck, the fact-checking and verification platform of Development News Network & Media Foundation, and BONews have been selected to receive specialised technical and technological support by the European Union (EU).
The support is under Activity 3.1.6a(1): Support for Fact-Checking Platforms as a Tool to Counter Hate Speech, Disinformation, Fraud and Election-Related Violence under the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project.
The Editorial Director of DNN, Mayowa Adeniran, in a statement, said the initiative is implemented by the Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP) in collaboration with FactCheckAfrica as part of the European Union’s broader efforts to promote credible information, protect democratic processes, and reinforce electoral integrity across the ECOWAS region.
Following a competitive assessment process involving fact-checking organisations across Nigeria, Adeniran said DNN FactCheck was selected in recognition of its commitment to evidence-based journalism, institutional capacity, governance standards, and strategic vision for advancing technology-driven verification.
According to FactCheckAfrica, the support will focus on platform assessment, technical assistance, capacity strengthening, technology enhancement, and the integration of innovative tools that improve the efficiency and impact of fact-checking operations.
Adeniran said the support package will significantly enhance DNN FactCheck’s operational and technological capacity through targeted interventions aimed at strengthening digital resilience and newsroom innovation. The programme includes improvements to digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, website performance, accessibility, and verification systems, alongside access to advanced tools and specialised training in artificial intelligence (AI), digital investigations, open-source intelligence (OSINT), deepfake detection, and other emerging verification technologies.
As a beneficiary, DNN FactCheck will also become part of a regional collaborative verification network that promotes information sharing, cross-border coordination, and collective responses to election-related misinformation and disinformation across West Africa.
Speaking on the selection, the Editorial Board Chair of DNN, Mr Lakan Otufodunrin, described the support as a significant milestone in the organisation’s continued efforts to strengthen information integrity and public trust.
“We appreciate being selected for this support, which will enable us to effectively counter worrisome cases of disinformation, election violence, and other related issues.”
In response to the selection, Adeniran expressed enthusiasm regarding the selection: “The world today has become complex, especially during election periods when misinformation and disinformation can undermine public confidence and democratic participation. This support will strengthen our technical capacity, expand our investigative capabilities, and enable us to deliver faster, accurate, and evidence-based fact-checks that serve the public interest,” he said. “We are glad to join BONews to work collectively to promote factual reporting, counter harmful narratives, and strengthen democratic resilience.”
Also commenting on the development, Wemimo Adewuni-Obiwale, Member, Board of Directors, DNN Media Foundation LTD/GTE, said the selection reflects growing confidence in DNN Media’s work and its contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s information ecosystem.
“This partnership is a strong affirmation of DNN Media’s unwavering commitment to credible journalism, fact-checking, and strengthening the information ecosystem in Nigeria. At a time when misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech continue to threaten democratic processes and social cohesion, DNN is proud to be at the centre of shifting narratives and producing credible journalism,” she said. “This comes as both an opportunity and a responsibility. We are excited to leverage our technological capacity, alongside our partners, in advancing truth, accountability, and informed public discourse during Nigeria’s critical election season. We appreciate FIAP, FactCheckAfrica, and the European Union for their confidence in our work, and we remain committed to using this opportunity to serve the public interest with integrity and excellence.”
About DNN FactCheck
DNN FactCheck Desk is a dedicated platform for fact-checking and combating misinformation, operating as a specialised unit of Development News Network Media (registered in 2021). Our core focus centres on credible journalism, development reporting, accountability, and public-interest storytelling. DNN FactCheck produces evidence-based reports that amplify governance and social issues while promoting accurate information. Through its desk, DNN is committed to identifying, verifying, and debunking misinformation through rigorous verification workflows and open-source research. This directly contributes to a more informed society, counters media manipulation, and strengthens systemic trust within the media ecosystem.
About FactCheckAfrica
FactCheckAfrica is a regional fact-checking, AI research, digital rights, and development organisation headquartered in Nigeria, established to respond to the deepening crisis of mis/disinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and declining trust in institutions. Our mission is to build an informed, resilient, and AI-literate society that can navigate digital threats while defending democratic values. We approach this mission through a three-pillar model: fact-checking and verification, AI and digital literacy education, and research and community engagement | Website: factcheckafrica.net | factcheckelections@gmail.com | +2347068775529
About the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project
The EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project is a European Union-funded regional initiative that supports democratic governance, electoral integrity, peace, and security across West Africa. Implemented by FiAP in collaboration with regional partners, including FactCheckAfrica, the project strengthens the capacity of media organizations, civil society actors, and electoral stakeholders to effectively respond to disinformation, political instability, and emerging threats to democratic governance.
