Skip to main content

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.

Popular Post

Tension In Uruagu Nnewi As Community Leaders Dare Soludo,Defy Court Order

The President of Uruagu-Nnewi Development Union, Chief Sunday Okoli aka Organizer, and the Obi of Uruagu-Nnewi community in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State, His Majesty Afamefuna Charles Obi, have swept Soludo's directive to the gutters, by reason of their suspension and subsequent dessolution of the leadership of the community's youth forum, led by Ejike Ifejiofor, and subsequent appointment of caretaker executive to pilot the affairs of youths in the community. The Anambra governor had, through a letter dated August 9, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Martin Agbili, warned the community leaders to stay any action regarding suspension of the Uruagu-Nnewi youth forum. The community had, through its PG, Chief Okoli, written to the Ministry of Youths Development, notifying the ministry of "immediate suspension" of the youth group over alleged insecurity in the area. But the ministry,...
Read more

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.  Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic.  Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation.  Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...
Read more

Federal Polytechnic Oko Holds Two-Day Recruitment Interview to Address Staff Shortages

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has begun a two-day interview exercise aimed at recruiting qualified personnel to fill vacant positions arising from staff retirements and other forms of exit from service. The exercise commenced on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and is being overseen by the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, who personally announced the names of shortlisted candidates. Addressing the applicants, Dr. Awuzie cautioned that while many candidates were invited for the exercise, only a limited number would eventually be engaged, citing budgetary constraints facing the institution. She urged the candidates to remain patient and understanding throughout the process. According to the Rector, the recruitment exercise was structured to ensure transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with approved financial limits. Speaking with journalists at the interview venue, the Acting Registrar, Chief Dominic Nwagwu, explained that the exercise became necessary...
Read more