The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), Publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, have agreed to partner on fact-checking as part of efforts to stem the tide of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in the digital age.

The partnership deal was discussed when the CEO of IMPR, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, Mallam Ali Muhammad Ali, in his office on Wednesday.

Regarding the collaboration on tackling fake news, Mallam Ali said: "So, a partnership between NAN and IMPR is a welcome proposal because I think we have a common ground."

Fact-checking is very important. I remember my days in one of the offices I held where we recommended your agency for training and capacity building, and a few people involved benefitted from the capacity your organisation had given them.

"We have seen the commendable job you have done over the years as a PR specialist and guru, especially at the height of the fight against Boko Haram and the insecurity from the turn of 2010 onwards. PRNigeria was the only provider of first-hand news and information on security-related issues, especially counterinsurgency.

"PRNigeria has always been known for authentic news, just like NAN. If you get the news on both media platforms, it must be authentic.

"So, here we have a common vision and a meeting ground. NAN will greatly partner with a reputable organisation like yours on fact-checking," he said.

He reminisced on Mallam Shuaib's great contributions to credible journalism, public relations, and fact-checking in the country. He described his guest as a world-class professional who has made Nigeria proud by winning numerous awards worldwide.

He also described the PRNigeria publisher as a prolific talent hunter who has trained and mentored hundreds of youngsters into greatness in journalism and public relations.

In his earlier address, the IMPR boss congratulated Ali on his 'well deserved' appointment, saying right from their school days in the late 80s at Bayero University, Kano, he had always been a role model and inspiration to younger ones like himself.

Reminding the audience that IMPR has carved a niche for itself in development journalism, reputation management, fact-checking, training and capacity building, etc., Mr Shuaib sought a partnership with NAN, especially on fact-checking, which he said is essential in the age of fake news, propaganda, and misinformation, which are aiding security threats like banditry and terrorism. (By PRNigeria)