The Worldwide Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, on Friday, July 4, held a gathering with journalists from print and on-line media in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Katsina States to debate the right way to enhance election reporting forward of the 2027 normal elections.
The assembly, which occurred in Kano, is a part of Part 4b: Assist to Media below the European Union Assist to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Section II programme, in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).
In his remarks, IPC Government Director Lanre Arogundade stated the session aimed to evaluate newsroom circumstances and talk about the right way to enhance reporting throughout elections.
“The primary objective of the interface is to evaluate the newsroom enabling setting and measures for enchancment, to ensure that the media to have interaction in impactful reporting of the 2027 elections,” Arogundade stated.
Discussions coated points corresponding to marketing campaign finance, political promoting, journalists’ moral duties throughout elections, their security, the necessity for investigative journalism, fact-checking, knowledge use, and the Freedom of Info Act.
Arogundade additionally warned in regards to the unfold of false info. “Truth-checking is an important course of in dispelling misinformation and deliberate distortions of data,” he stated.
Journalists on the assembly stated the dialogue was vital and well timed. They requested for extra coaching, particularly in fact-checking, media literacy, and investigative reporting, together with logistical help and small grants to enhance election protection.
Abdull Ozumi stated ongoing coaching is important because the nation prepares for an additional normal election. “Journalists should be armed not simply with instruments however with readability of goal. We have to match the velocity of digital misinformation with coaching in truth-telling,” he stated.
Jacob Onjewu of New Nigerian described subject work as tough. “From restricted entry to knowledge, to security issues and funds constraints, we’re consistently working towards the tide. What we want isn’t just talkshops, however actual, sensible help that permits us to inform the total story,” he stated.
Chairman of the Affiliation of Kano State On-line Journalists (ASKOJ), Yakubu Salisu, stated the occasion was helpful. “This type of engagement helps sharpen our abilities and reminds us of our duty to the general public, particularly as we strategy one other election cycle. We encourage IPC to maintain this effort.”
He additionally referred to as on journalists to stay skilled and unbiased. “We should do our work with integrity and keep away from turning into instruments within the fingers of politicians. Our responsibility is to the general public, to not political pursuits,” he added.
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