By Monic Okechukwu
The International Press Center and the Center for Media and Society have organized a Two-day Training for journalists in Anambra State.
The workshop organized for Media practitioners from the print, broadcast, and online, also attracted other key stakeholders from security agencies, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), aimed at strengthening democratic principles and processes through media empowerment.
It also aimed to ensure accurate reportage, inclusivity, accountability during the fast approaching gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on November 8, 2025, in Anambra State.
In his opening speech, the Executive Director of IPC,Mr Lanre Arogundade highlighted the role of the media in ensuring credible, free, fair and acceptable election, through accurate reportage to entrench enduring democracy in the country.He described elections as the foundation of democracy, emphasizing that retraining journalists on ethical and professional reporting would promote accountability and participatory. governance.
He further drew attention to the Code of Election Coverage, urging journalists to uphold professional and social responsibilities, considering the critical role of the media in achieving credible elections.
The Executive Director of the IPC called for improved documentation of campaign promises, adherence to ethics across all election phases, and open dialogue for quality reportage. He commended media such as NAWOJ, AOP, and the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) for their cooperation and active participation.
The Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, in his speech, noted the peculiar challenges of off-cycle elections and appreciated the European Union for its support towards entrenching democracy through free and responsible media.
He also stressed journalists’ safety and the urgent need to counter misinformation and social media disinformation during election seasons.
According him, the forum was designed to renew the conversation between political candidates and voters.
In a presentation titled “Embedding Ethics, Professionalism, Inclusion, and Issue-Focused Reporting Before and After the Anambra Election,”
Dr. Njide Ezeonyejiaku of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, underscored the importance of ethical conduct and professionalism in election reporting.
She described inclusion and issue-based reporting as hallmarks of credible journalism and urged reporters to uphold the ethos of the profession in the public interest.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, and his counterpart from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reassured participants of robust security arrangements for a peaceful poll.
They, however, cautioned voters against carrying weapons to polling units and called on the media to help discourage vote-buying and promote informed participation.
The Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, advocated greater inclusion of persons with disabilities, admonished security agencies and political parties to comply with electoral laws.
In a closing remark, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, appreciated the organizers for such impactful training, which he noted, has further strengthened journalists in preparation for the all important Governorship election.
He called for sustained collaboration between the Union and the Centers to achieve the desired objectives.
At the end of the workshop, all stakeholders agreed to work together to achieve the desired results of promoting inclusive, and peaceful, transparent , credible, free, fair and acceptable Governorship election in Anambra State come November 8.
