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IPC, CEMESO Hold Forum on Enhanced Reportage, Inclusivity Ahead of Anambra Governorship Poll

By Chigozie Igbo Jr 

The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have commenced a two-day forum in Awka, Anambra State, aimed at strengthening media reportage, inclusivity, and accountability among stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election.

The forum, supported by the European Union under the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) programme, brings together journalists, editors, and civil society actors to discuss ways of improving electoral coverage and ensuring fair and ethical reporting.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasized that free and independent media is vital to deepening democracy and ensuring credible elections. He called on authorities and political actors to allow journalists perform their constitutional role as watchdogs of society without intimidation or censorship.

According to him, “The courage of journalists who tell the truth must not be punished but rewarded. Restoring public trust depends on the media’s ability to report freely, accurately, and responsibly.”

Arogundade also commended the EU for its continued partnership, noting that the IPC/EU-SDGN II project has made significant contributions toward promoting women’s political participation and inclusion of vulnerable populations, targeting up to 50 percent representation for women in politics.
On his part, the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, described journalists as the “oxygen of democracy,” stressing the need to create a safe and enabling environment for media professionals during elections. He said journalists play a critical role in ensuring transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Delivering a paper titled “Embedding Ethics, Professionalism, Inclusion and Issue-Focused Reporting Before and After the Anambra Governorship Election,” Dr. Njideka Ezeonyejiaku of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said ethical and issue-based journalism remains key to credible elections. She urged reporters to maintain professionalism and neutrality in their coverage.

The session featured interactive discussions on the challenges of credible reporting and practical approaches to improve election coverage.
Mr. Arogundade later led a technical session on the Media Election Code of Conduct, safety measures for journalists, and best practices for effective election reportage.

The forum continues today with other stakeholders with more engagements on media accountability, inclusivity, and the role of journalists in promoting peaceful and credible elections in Anambra State.

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