Nigeria\u2019s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has cautioned about the dangers that fake news presents, stressing the real-life consequences of the phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shettima dedicated portions of his September 25, 2025, address<\/a> at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to the need for a concerted effort to close the digital divide, a task he said required the cooperation of researchers, the private sector, governments and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs we stand on the threshold of new and dramatic technological change, we are still absorbing the impact of the revolution in information and communication of the past 20 years. We understand better than we did the opportunities technology offers as well as the safeguards we need to enable growth and mitigate the potential for corrosion,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the threat posed by fake news, he said: \u201cSome worry about fake news. We have plenty of that, with the potential of devastating real-world consequences in countries, rich and poor. I am more worried about an emerging generation that grows ever more cynical, because it believes nothing and trusts less. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs technology shakes up public administration, law, finance, conflict and so much of the human condition, I am calling for a new dialogue, to ensure we promote the best of the opportunities that are arising – and promote the level of access that allows emerging economies more quickly, to close a wealth and knowledge gap that is in no one\u2019s interest,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year\u2019s General Assembly, held in New York, began September 23, 2025<\/a>, and was under the theme \u201cBetter together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It brought together world leaders to reflect on eight decades of international cooperation while confronting new challenges, from ongoing conflicts, climate change, to the regulation of artificial intelligence and digital platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n