Anambra Guber: IMS, IPC train journalists on objective reportage

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Institute for Media and Society (IMS) in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPS), on Friday, engaged media practitioners in Anambra State on ethical reportage of the forthcoming November 6, 2021, gubernatorial election in the state.

The engagement was in fulfilment of their objective of building the capacity of Nigeria Journalists, to enhance professionalism in reporting sensitive events, including electoral processes.

The participants which included news reporters, editors, leaders of media unions, were drawn from broadcast, print, and online media organisations in the state.


The Media Stakeholders’ interaction session, held at the Finotel Classy Hotel Awka, the state capital, featured presentations by scholars in the media institutions across the country, who did justice to the theme: “Deepening Voter Education and Inclusive Coverage of the Anambra State Governorship Election 2021”

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In his opening speech, The Executive Director of the International Press Centre, IPC, Mr.Lanre Arogundade disclosed that the programme was organised as part of the support to the media component of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria project.

According to him, the event was aimed at deepening the role of the participants in promoting professional and ethical reportage of electoral processes, including conflict-sensitive in media coverage of the Anambra forthcoming election.

He urged Journalists to always verify any allegation made against a party, candidate or any other interest before publishing, to curb electoral tension before, during and after the election.

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On his part, the Executive Director of the Institute of Media and Society, IMS, Dr Akin Akingbulu, said the roles of media professionals could not be overemphasised in the election process as they provided information and education before, during and after the process.

He explained that the Media stakeholders’ interaction session was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the participants in election coverage, adding that the attention of the whole world is on Anambra state for now, in respect of the guber election.

He said the success of the election would further strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

Akingbulu, charged media Professionals and organisations in Nigeria to play their roles as expected, and demonstrate that they were able to serve as watchdogs to the society.

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Earlier in his welcome address, the state acting Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Ekpone Francis, commended IMS/ IPC for the constant capacity building of Journalists across the country.

In their separate remarks, the facilitator, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna and the IPC Programme Manager, Mr Sanmi Falobi, advised journalists not to be biased in their reportage, noting that, if not fact-checked, the reports provided during the election could make or mar electoral processes.

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