Name:

Israel Olatunji Tijani, PMC, SEMP

Biography:

Israel Olatunji Tijani is a Nigerian data scientist, journalist, and entrepreneur renowned for his contributions to technology and media. He is the founder of ChatVE, an AI-powered fact-checking tool designed to combat misinformation by verifying claims across text, images, and videos on social media platforms. With a background in multimedia journalism and data analysis, Israel has over five years of experience in print, radio, and digital media in Nigeria. His journalism work encompasses social issues, gender equality, health, technology, and environmental topics, focusing on marginalized communities. His articles have been featured in major Nigerian newspapers, including The Nation, Tech Economy, Nigeria Health Online, and Sahara Reporters. Israel's dedication to continuous professional development is evident through his participation in various capacity-building programs. He has engaged in Open Source Intelligence training with the Digital Forensics Lab (DFRLAb) to combat misinformation and propaganda, attended the Data Journalism Masterclass at Ripples Centre for Data and Investigative Journalism (RCDIJ), participated in the Open Contracting Workshop organized by the School of Media and Communications at Pan Atlantic University, and completed the 360/Digital Sherlocks Spring 2022 program, focusing on API, R, and Python programming. In 2022, Israel was selected as a fellow for the Nigeria Health Watch Solutions Journalism Africa Fellowship, further enhancing his expertise in health reporting and solutions journalism. Through his innovative work with ChatVE and his commitment to ethical journalism, Israel Olatunji Tijani continues to make significant strides in addressing misinformation and promoting informed public discourse in Africa and beyond.