Cable Foundation, TheCable launch Pidgin Check to expand fact check access in Nigeria

Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF), in collaboration with TheCable, has launched Pidgin Check, a multimedia fact-checking project aimed at expanding access to fact-checks in Nigeria.

The project, produced under CableCheck, CNJF’s fact-checking initiative, will publish short, engaging videos and graphic cards in Pidgin English to help audiences easily verify claims and spot false information.

Supported by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), the project aims to counter the spread of falsehoods in one of the most widely spoken languages across the country.

Pidgin Check videos will be available on TheCable’s YouTube channel and other social media platforms, with new episodes published every week.

Simon Kolawole, founder and CEO of TheCable, said Pidgin Check reflects a broader vision of journalism that speaks directly to citizens.

“The launch of Pidgin Check is a deliberate step in rethinking how journalism engages Nigerians at scale, because information is only powerful and consequential when it reaches people in a language they understand,” he said.

“We hope to empower citizens to better spot falsehoods, make informed decisions, and participate more fully in the conversations that shape their communities and the nation.”

Ebunoluwa Olafusi, editor of CableCheck, said the project was created to bridge gaps in fact-checking reach and accessibility.

“We started Pidgin Check to reach a wider audience and promote a culture of truth and accountability among Nigerians,” Olafusi said.

“We are bringing the facts and truths closer to you. We want more people to be accurately informed.”

Oluwamayowa Tijani, director of projects at CNJF, said the decision to launch Pidgin Check was informed by the role of Pidgin in the spread of falsehoods online.

“Based on our data on disinformation, we have found that most videos driving misinformation and disinformation on social media, especially Facebook and WhatsApp, are created and driven in Pidgin English,” he said.

“To address this challenge, we decided to meet the problem in the language it speaks. This is one of the reasons we are going down this path at this time. We are grateful to IFCN for the support it has provided to enhance our fact-checking, especially in serving Nigerians better in local languages and Pidgin English. Our promise to our readers is that harmful information will not win.”

Pelumi Bolawa, an entertainment and lifestyle reporter with TheCable, will serve as the presenter of Pidgin Check.

GLOBAL PUSH AGAINST DISINFORMATION

CableCheck was recently announced as one of 23 recipients of the BUILD 2025 grant by IFCN under the Global Fact Check Fund.

According to IFCN, the 2025 cohort recognises organisations that have demonstrated strong editorial practices, methodological transparency, and a commitment to media literacy.

The recipients span 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

From Africa, only three organisations — CableCheck (Nigeria), Radio Erena (Eritrea), and Local Voices Media Network (Liberia) — made the list.