Nigerian-Based Entrepreneur, Olasupo Abideen Launches Media Initiative to Battle Fake News
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the world, creating fear, instilling anxiety, catalysing economic downturns and drastic change in our social lives. More so, the need to stay at home to observe social distancing has resulted in the active use of social media and increased boredom for many young individuals.
In Nigeria, the virus has begun to spread at a geometric rate, and with it, an infodemic signalled by a lack of adequate information, fake news and uneven distribution of news.
Amidst these, “Know COVID-19 Nigeria” was established to address the pressing needs that could help reduce this pandemic.
“Know COVID-19 Nigeria” initiative was created by TEF Entrepreneur, Olasupo Abideen and a group of other young Nigerians with the goal of debunking fake news, provide safety, health and precautionary tips that can help Nigerians stay informed and protected.
Their major goal is to ensure the provision of adequate, relevant, reliable and relatable information, debunk fake news and ensure provide safety, health and precautionary tips that could help people stay safe, informed and protected. In achieving this, the group is engaging young professionals in various fields like media, medicine, graphics designing, web development, public relations, research and monitoring and evaluation, etcetera, who are volunteering their time and expertise, thereby, relieving them of boredom from staying at home as a result of the lock-down in the country.
“Within one week of our existence, by leveraging on major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, we have been able to directly reach and engage over 2million Nigerians,” Abideen says.
“Know COVID-19 Nigeria” has distilled and interpreted data to curate different stories, map victims to prevent spread and sensitize people on coping strategies during the period of social distancing. They are also currently crowdfunding and seeking support from individuals and institutions to expand their services beyond where it currently is.
To reach more people, assist its volunteers with internet and provide relief support for the most vulnerable people, Know COVID is crowdfunding and seeking support from individuals and institutions via their GoFundme page. You can also make donations via their Nigerian Paystack page.
Visit their website https://knowcovid19.ng/ for more.
