By Uzair Adam
Some Islamic clerics in Kano State have received training on fact-checking and media literacy to help them counter false narratives and disinformation in their sermons and public engagements.
The two-day training, organised by Alkalanci, a fact-checking platform, brought together members of the Council of Ulamas and other religious leaders across the state.
The Daily Reality reports that the programme focused on equipping clerics with tools to identify, verify and dispel fake news, particularly on social media.
Speaking at the session, the Chairman of the Council of Ulamas in Kano, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, emphasised that religious leaders carry the responsibility of upholding truth and preventing the spread of falsehood.
He noted that misinformation has contributed to social tension and division, urging clerics to lead by example in promoting accuracy and fairness.
“Millions of people listen to you. Whatever you tell them carries weight,” Khalil said, adding that Islam condemns lies and encourages verification before passing information to followers.
Similarly, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by Bauren Kano, Alhaji Abbas Dalhatu, Managing Director of Freedom Radio Group, highlighted the impact of social media on shaping public opinion.
“Freedom Radio reaches over 230 million people. The impact of fake news is delicate and dangerous,” he said.
He also cited Surah An-Naml, where Prophet Suleiman instructed his servant and a bird to verify reports about Queen Bilqis, describing it as an Islamic precedent for fact-checking.
Earlier, the founder of Alkalanci, Alhasan Bala, said the workshop targeted religious leaders because of their central role in shaping public opinion.
“We live in a time where information travels faster than ever. A single message, video, or image can reach thousands in seconds, and much of it is inaccurate,” Bala said.
He warned that misinformation threatens peace, unity, and trust in society, stressing that clerics must ensure what they share is true, informed, and beneficial.
Bala added that Alkalanci, established in October 2024, is committed to promoting media literacy and countering disinformation in Hausa-speaking communities.
The training included practical methods of verifying information both online and offline. Bala expressed appreciation to the emir, the Council of Ulamas, and other facilitators for their support.