In an age of growing misinformation, cyber risks, and digital exclusion, the Rosana Empowerment Foundation (REF) has been at the forefront of promoting digital safety, especially among vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Since 2020, REF has launched a series of grassroots digital literacy workshops designed to combat fake news, promote responsible use of social media, and build resilience against cyber threats.
One of REF’s flagship initiatives, the Digital Literacy and Safety Campaign, has reached over 3,000 women, youth, and rural dwellers across Bauchi, Imo, and Kaduna States. These workshops emphasize identifying misinformation, understanding algorithmic manipulation, and protecting personal data.
In collaboration with community radio stations and local educators, REF has also created vernacular radio segments and interactive town hall meetings that equip listeners with tools to verify information, especially during election seasons and health crises like COVID-19.
“Digital empowerment is not just about connectivity – it’s about critical thinking, safety, and agency,” says Ejiogu Vitus Chibueze, Executive Director of REF. “We want communities to be informed, not influenced.”
As part of its broader strategy, REF is exploring partnerships with civic tech startups and open-source fact-checking platforms to make these tools more accessible in underserved areas.
This ongoing campaign aligns with global efforts to protect freedom of information, strengthen online civic spaces, and empower marginalized voices in the digital era.
