By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
Sequel to the build up of 2023 general elections, female journalists have been urged to combat fake news, provide civic and voter education, to encourage underrepresented groups like women, youths and persons with disabilities to vote and be voted for.
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade disclosed this at a two-day skill enhancing and capacity/mentoring session for female journalists by IPC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), at Echelons Heights Hotel, Port Harcourt River’s State.
Arogundade who stated that, the workshop is for 36 female journalists drawn from the broadcast, print and online media of the South- South and South- Eastern states of Nigeria, noted that, the workshop is under Component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN II) project, of which IPC is the lead partner.
He said overall objective is to strengthen the media for fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive reporting of the electoral processes and elections, which in particular seeks to position female journalists to be in the front line professional, inclusive, conflict sensitive, fact-checks, data driven coverage and reportage.
He said, “this two-day training workshop is designed to further enhance the skill of the participants on professional, impactful, inclusive and public interest reporting of the electoral processes and the 2023 elections.
“We are particularly happy that this workshop is being organized in partnership with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), which underscores our joint commitment to building the capacity of female journalists, so that they could be change agents in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I wish to thank and commend the leadership of NAWOJ under President Ladi Bala for sharing our vision as it continues to strive to make journalism better for women journalists and women journalists better in journalism.
“For the media to serve as catalysts of credible elections without which democracy cannot be consolidated, the actions under the project seek to strengthen the media for fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of electoral processes in Nigeria.”
He said, the European Union looks forward these six results through its support for the media under EU-SDGNII. “The enhancement of the professionalism of media practitioners, especially women; the strengthening of media professional capacity to deal with electoral misinformation/disinformation;
“The enhancement of media platforms’ ability to diversify, deepen the coverage of the electoral process and deliver civic and voter education; and the improvement of media awareness and use of FOI Act for increased accountability; and
“The strengthening of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to perform its mandate; and the improvement of media engagement in promoting women, youths and marginalized groups in politics.”
In her opening remarks, NAWOJ President, Mrs Ladi Bala urged the female journalists to utilize the opportunity and learn new skills that will improve their capacities and enhance the quality of news reports, as the approach 2023 elections.
“Ladi said, “journalists must rise to the occasion of protecting and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy in the build up to 2023 general elections.
“The media as an integral part of the society with unique and sensitive roles to play on many fronts for development will be further enhanced with these available training and retraining of professionals.
“Today is a dream come true for NAWOJ particularly our Rivers State Chapter. I particularly feel fulfilled that the long walk of determination, commitment and concerted efforts has birthed the desired result.”
