Media
SOME journalists based in Bayelsa and civil society organisations on Thursday concluded a two-day session aimed at overcoming challenges to effective coverage of the Nov. 11 governorship poll.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event funded by the European Union (EU) was facilitated by the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).
The media engagement involved 70 journalists drawn from broadcast, print and online platforms.
The forum featured interactive discussions with election stakeholders, lectures and sessions with various resource persons, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police.
Speaking at the event, Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said that the media was critical to providing credible information to citizens on the forthcoming governorship election.
“The citizens make their choices on the basis of reliable information and it is the responsibility of the journalists that work in the media houses to fill this gap.
“We need to organise this programme for journalists to look at different aspects of our responsibility in the electoral process,” he said.
Arogundade said there was the need for inclusivity regarding people who are generally underrepresented and who do not have voices in the society such as women and youths.
He said: “We feel that if journalists would understand all these things, then they will be in a position to go out there and do stories that will be in the public interest.
“We are interested in knowing what the politicians want to do but we are more interested in journalists bringing to the attention of the politicians what the people really want them to do for them.”
According to the IPC executive director, between now and Nov. 11, journalists in Bayelsa are expected to give voice to the voiceless, especially the women.
Mr Samuel Numonengi, Chairman, Bayelsa Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended the organisers for the training.
He said that journalists in the state braved all odds and risks to their lives in the discharge of their duties.
“The safety tips given by the Police, which also includes how journalists should dress while going out to cover election are apt and some of the things they have to do.
“We expect more trainings like this for journalists before the Bayelsa Governorship election,” he said. (NAN)
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– Aug. 10, 2023 @ 13:58 GMT |
Tags: INEC International Press Centre Mr Lanre Arogundade Mr Samuel Numonengi Nigeria Union of Journalists
