By Abiola Peters
The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), with support from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN – 2), have trained media operational leaders on ethical and professional election reporting in a democratic environment.
The training, which was held in Ikeja, Lagos, was themed, “Strengthening Media Professionalism and Collaboration for Democratic Governance in Nigeria.
The two sessions were moderated by Executive Director of Broadcasters Organisation of Nigeria, Dr Yemisi Bamgbose for broadcasters and Director of The Journalism Clinic, Mr Taiwo Obe for the Print and Online professionals.
In a welcome address, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade urged media leaders to report elections professionally, while promoting the inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Mr Arogundade noted that media coverage has often been unfair to women in politics and the other groups, emphasizing that better visibility could help encourage voter support for them.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, highlighted that under EU-SDGN -Two, Component Four- Support to Media; journalists have been trained on effective electoral reporting, avoidance of hate speech, and strategies to tackle misinformation and disinformation.
Dr Akingbulu expressed satisfaction with the commitments from the participants toward inclusive, fair, and accountable electoral coverage.
One of the participants, General Manager of Metro FM, Mrs. Ifeoma Okpala said she would prioritize early voter education to curb apathy during future elections.
Also contributing, General Manager of Bond FM, Alhaji Wahab Akoshile, commended the efforts of the organisers to enhance the inclusion of women and persons living with disabilities in democratic governance.
The participants were professionals drawn from broadcast, print, and online media, including Assistant Director News of Bond FM, Mr Abiola Peters, who shared ideas on the media’s role in promoting democracy and the need for editorial policies that reflect ethical standards and regulatory compliance.